Makes: 2lbs
I am constantly surprised how much people will pay for snack food. I guess I do have a few shreds of my innocence left. (smiles) Personally, I prefer to make my own snacks. I can customize, limit the amount of salt or sugar and spend as much or as little as I want on them. Yes, I know I am a control freak. I am a Mother, comes with the territory.
This recipe was created when my son was about 3 months old. I had made similar mixes before but the daily routine of toting lil’man back and forth to day school, the store and elsewhere; brought back the need in my life for a quick non-perishable nutritious snack that could be eaten one handed. Soon there was a jar in my pantry and another in my cubical.
When my son could handle solids on his own, a handful of Trail Mix with some cheese cubes and dry cereal made the perfect anytime meal and one he will still eat without complaint. From a toddler that is a huge endorsement.
Recipe Ratio = 1 part seeds/nuts to 3 parts dried fruit
The below combination is just a house favorite. We like our Trail Mix a bit more fruity than nutty so I use the above ratio when mixing. If you have fruits, nuts or seeds you prefer, do change it up and experiment! That is what good food is all about.
8oz Pecans
8oz Dried Apricots
8oz Black Raisins
8oz Mixed Premium Raisins
Large Bowl
Knife & Board
Measuring Cup
Meat Mallet
32oz Plastic Jar with Tight Fitting Lid*
- Using the meat mallet break the pecan into rough bits and pieces without opening the bag.
- Cut the apricots into “raisin-sized” pieces.
- Pour apricots and nuts into bowl.
- Measure out and add both kinds of raisins to the bowl.
- Pour mix into jar, seal and shake to mix well.
- Use within a month, if it lasts that long.
*I use the plastic jars that our peanut butter comes in for this and other mixes. They are heavy duty, food grade plastic and can go through the dishwasher.
For those of you who think I might be stretching the truth in the title of this post, read on.
8oz Pecans $5.00
8oz Dried Apricots $1.75
8oz Black Raisins $1.35
8oz Mixed Premium Raisins $2.00
2 poundsTotal Cost = $10.10 or .32 per ounce
These are Trader Joe’s prices. Local TJ’s is my best and nearest source of quality dried fruit and nuts. Other nearby sources include: Safeway and Winco. Check your local grocers for source and do not forget the bulk section.
Frugally yours-
KC
