The famous hiker's mix, the perfect companion for mountain or forest hikes.
Autumn has arrived, it's time to take the time to walk in the forest, get some fresh air, breathe, and admire the changing colors. It will also accompany you on your hikes or ski runs in the winter.
The hiker's mix is one of the snacks that stands the test of time. Why? On one hand, because it is so nutritious! Nuts or seeds provide you with good fats and proteins, and dried fruits supply the carbohydrates needed for exertion. Also, it can be customized according to your tastes, and it is so easy to make!
Well, there are many pre-made mixes on the shelves, but they are often made from dried fruits to which sulfites are added to preserve their color and extend their shelf life, or they will have other additives added, often unnecessary.
Organic nuts and fruits should therefore be preferred. If raw nuts are too difficult for you to digest, you can roast them a little, with a light touch of olive oil or even maple syrup. What could be more enjoyable than making them to our taste! Here are a few, which you can modify as you wish.
Mix ‘’Simply Nature’’
- 1/3 cup of raw unsalted cashew nuts
- 1/3 cup raw unsalted almonds
- 1/3 cup of pumpkin seeds
- 1/3 cup of unsalted roasted sunflower seeds
- 1/3 cup of organic apricots, halved
- 2/3 cup of organic dried white mulberries
Mix everything together and store in an airtight jar.
Chocolate mix
- 1/3 cup of lightly salted roasted peanuts
- 1/3 cup of roasted sunflower seeds
- 2/3 cup of unsalted roasted almonds
- 1/3 cup of mini dark chocolate chips (the ones from the brand Enjoy Life are my favorite)
- 1/3 cup of Deglet Nour Dates, chopped
Mix everything together and store in an airtight jar.
Autumn Mix
- ½ cup of pecan nuts
- 1/3 cup of chopped walnuts
- 1/3 cup raw unsalted almonds
- 1/3 cup of salted pistachios
- 1/2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1/8 tsp ground cinnamon (Dion spices for a gluten-free version)
- ½ cup of dried fruit, your choice (I like to mix organic dried figs with organic dried apricots) Have fun changing up the varieties!
Mix the nuts together, then mix in the olive oil and maple syrup to coat everything. Sprinkle the cinnamon and mix again until it is homogeneous. Spread everything on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 300 degrees F for about twenty minutes, turning after 10 minutes.
Once the mixture has cooled, add the dried fruits, and store in an airtight jar.
Let your imagination run wild, imagine your own blends… different nuts, fruits, herbs, spices… and go! Get moving!!!
Article written by Audrée Hogue