Fare Report: Nut-less Trail Mix

After thinking about it, I came up with several different ingredients that would make a tasty trail mix treat.

The possibilities are endless; so, if nut-less trail mix is something you want to try, then consider my recipe or creating one with the ingredients you crave.

Also, if one item on my recipe list is not something you would choose, then simply remove it from your recipe and add a little extra of the other ingredients.

Healthy trail mix is a great snack to help you power through busy days. Keep a zip lock bag in your vehicle and an air-tight container at home filled with your favorite trail mix for a quick and nutritious snack.

Since some of these ingredients have a likelihood to be processed in facilities with tree nuts and peanuts, be sure to check the packaging. Avoiding cross-contamination with allergens is important for those with nut allergies.

Nut-less trail Mix

2 cans (15 ounce) roasted chickpeas, recipe below

1 cup sunflower kernels

1 ½ cup Craisins

1 ½ cup pumpkin seeds

1 ½ cup banana chips

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or butterscotch chips (optional)

Roasted Chickpeas

2 cans (15 ounces) chickpeas

2 tablespoons olive oil

¾ teaspoon salt

2- 4 teaspoons spices or herbs such as chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika or your favorite.

Begin this recipe by roasting the chickpeas. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Place an oven rack in the middle of the oven.

Open the cans of chickpeas and pour them into a strainer in the sink. Rinse thoroughly under running water.

Pat the chickpeas very dry with a clean dishtowel or paper towel. Allow to air dry for a few minutes. Remove and discard any chickpea skin that comes off while drying.

Spread the chickpeas in an even layer on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Gently toss to coat using a silicone spatula or clean hands.

Place in preheated oven and roast for about 20-30 minutes. Stir chickpeas approximately every 10 minutes. A few chickpeas may make a popping sound while roasting.

Chickpeas are done when golden and slightly darkened, dry and crispy on the outside and soft in the middle.

Remove from oven and sprinkle desired spices or herbs evenly over chickpeas. They will gradually lose crispiness as they cool, becoming slightly chewy.

With the chickpeas roasted, the trail mix ingredients are ready to be combined.

Place all trail mix ingredients inside a large air tight container. Using a silicone spatula or clean hands, mix well. Enjoy!