3 Delicious and Healthy Nut Mix Recipes

Nuts are a delicious snack packed with nutrients and high in protein. Make-ahead mixes of various nuts are a perfect alternative to processed food that may be filled with salt and additives. Nut mixes are ideal for hiking and camping trips or as an afternoon snack. The fat contained in nuts is unsaturated fat and in moderate amounts is recommended for a healthy diet.

Try your own variation of the recipes. Other nuts such as pecans, walnuts, peanuts and macadamia nuts are delicious. Nuts are packed with nutrients such as niacin, potassium, magnesium, fiber, vitamin E and selenium. A healthy serving is about two or three tablespoons.

Store the mixes in a container with a tightly fitted cover. Label the container with the name of the mix and the date you made it. Keep the container in a cool, dark place.

Nutty Fruit Mix

    * 1 cup sunflower seeds
    * 1 cup cashew halves
    * 1 cup hazelnuts
    * 1 cup raisins
    * 1 cup dried apricots chopped
    * 1 cup banana chips
    * 1 cup pitted dates chopped

Preheat oven to 200 F. Spread sunflower seeds on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 20 minutes until lightly browned. Stir occasionally. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool. Combine nuts, seeds and remaining ingredients in a large bowl. Toss well and store in a tightly covered container. Makes 7 cups.

This nut mix makes a nice gift idea. Layer the mixture in a container in the order listed above. Leave enough space at the top of the jar for the recipient to shake and mix it up.

Curried Nuts

    * 1 cup almonds, walnuts or cashews
    * 1 cup raisins
    * 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
    * 1 teaspoon curry powder

Combine nuts and raisins in skillet and add oil and curry powder. Mix well and heat on medium high for 10 minutes or until raisins are plump and almonds are toasted. Stir frequently. Store the nuts in a tightly covered container in the refrigerator. Makes 2 cups.

Toasted Almond Seed Mix

    * 1/2 cup almonds
    * 1/2 cup sunflower seeds
    * 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds

Preheat oven to 200 F. Spread nuts and seeds onto a baking sheet and toast in the oven for about 20 minutes until lightly browned. Stir occasionally. Remove from oven and allow to cool. Toss well and store in a tightly covered container. You can use various nuts. This mix makes a highly nutritious snack or as a topping on yogurt, cereal or fruit.

Making your own nut mix is easy and provides a nutritional snack any time. A serving is about two or three tablespoons.

See Also: Healthy Trail Mix Recipes