Mock Cooking Blog: A Panty Staple: Trail Mix

I've never been one to stick to just three meals a day. Grazing has always felt so much more fulfilling and has gotten me through many a long nights during college. Treats like potato chips and sandwich cookies fill that grazing need, but they don't provide much in terms of satiety or health. This is where the glory of trail mix comes in! Easy to throw together and perfectly customizable to your dietary needs, its become a staple of my kitchen.

Its as simple as running through the following:

Build your foundation: You need to choose a hearty foundation for your trail mix. This is usually some combination of nuts and dried fruits but can go far beyond that. My go to combination is almonds and banana chips but you could try cashews, peanuts, cranberries, or raisins. Not a fan of dried fruit or have a nut allergy? Then up your crunch factors!

Add some crunch: Foods like granola, cereal, or pretzels add a much needed crunch and makes the mix fill you up faster. If you skipped the nuts, go for even more crunch with other snacks like Cheese-Its or Chex cereal for a variety of flavors.

Sweeten it up: This is where the calories and sugar content of your trail mix starts to really add up. Chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, and M&Ms are all nostalgic and perfect options. Swapping these out for more fruit or something like yogurt covered raisins can cut back on the sugar while still satisfying your sweet tooth!

Mix it all up: Its as easy as it sounds. Shake everything in a bag or stir it together in a bowl. Just make sure everything is properly spaced so you don't end up with three handfuls of pretzels only.

Store it properly: To keep your trail mix fresh, store it in an airtight container or resealable bag. It will stay fresh for up to two weeks at room temperature or up to a month in the refrigerator. Don't let it go to waste!

Now that you have the basics, make it your own by:

Considering your needs: When choosing ingredients for your trail mix, consider your nutritional needs. If you need more protein, add more nuts and seeds. If you need more fiber, add more dried fruit. If you're watching your calories, opt for lower calorie ingredients like air-popped popcorn or rice cakes. If you don't care, chopped Reese's cups make a perfect sweet addition!

Experiment with flavor combinations: Don't be afraid to mix and match different flavors and textures. For example, try adding some salty pretzels to a sweet mix of dried fruit and chocolate chips. Or, add some spicy chili flakes to a mix of nuts and seeds for a savory twist. Cheese and chocolate pair better than you may think so don't be afraid to start dumping in everything except the kitchen sink.

Spice it all up: Spices can add a lot of flavor to your trail mix. Try adding some cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger for a warm, comforting flavor. Or, add some cayenne pepper or chili flakes for a spicy kick. A little bit can go a long way in making your mix pop.

Use seasonal ingredients: Take advantage of seasonal ingredients to create a trail mix that's both delicious and fresh. For example, add some dried apples and cinnamon for a fall-inspired mix, or add some dried cranberries and gingerbread spice for a holiday-themed mix.

Consider dietary restrictions: If you or someone you're making trail mix for has dietary restrictions, be sure to choose ingredients that fit within those restrictions. For example, if you're making trail mix for someone with a nut allergy, omit the nuts and use seeds instead.

Trail mix is a delicious and nutritious snack that can be customized to suit your personal preferences and dietary needs. By following these basic steps and tips, you can create your own unique blend of trail mix that's perfect for any occasion. Whether you're hitting the trails or just need a quick snack to graze on, trail mix is the perfect go-to snack.