Exploits of a Vegan Wannabe

I have always believed that the most intimate and thoughtful gift you could give was something edible, especially from your own kitchen. Making food for someone takes time, effort and a biggie dose of love.

Photo By: S. Duquet

I found this recipe for a bountiful trail mix in our Sunday paper. I changed it a smidge and made it my own by adding hazelnuts instead of almonds. I also used a maple syrup agave hybrid that is amazingly tasty. That is the beauty of creating your own power mix, you can change it up so your taste buds never get bored.

Seeds Of Joy Snack Mix

By S. Duquet

Inspired by recipe from C. Robinson

Ingredients

1 C  raw hazelnuts

2C raw pepitas (baby pumpkin seeds)

3/4 C raw sunflower seeds

1 C dried cherries

6 Tbsp maple syrup ( I used a maple agave blend)

Make It Happen

~Toss the hazelnuts, pepitas and sunflower seeds with maple syrup in a large bowl to coat.

~Spread in a single layer on a parchment lined baking sheet

~Bake in a 300 degree oven for approx 20 minutes or until light brown

~Let cool

~Toss with dried cherries

~Put in decorative bags or sealed jars and adorn with ribbon or raffia for gifting.

*Notes- I baked mine for exactly 20 minutes and  let cool. The entire pan had not dried out and some of the nuts and seeds were sticking to the parchment. To remedy this I put the entire pan back into a 200 degree oven  for 12-15 minutes to help the syrup coated pieces dry out completely. Periodically check them to make sure the seeds are not getting too brown.

I also dusted the entire pan of wet nuts and seeds with sea salt before I put it in the oven to create the sweet and salty goodness that I crave. For the purposes of the Gimme Five challenge, I am not considering salt and pepper an ingredient, but a matter of personal taste. Add it if you would like, leave it out if you prefer.

Photo By: S. Duquet

This is so easy to make that you can be baking pounds of it while you are decorating your gingerbread house, lighting your Menorah or doing whatever you do to make the holidays special. This yummy edible delight will make the perfect gift for anyone you adore, like yourself.

Have a delicious day.

Tags: Claire Robinson, compassionate eating, dairy free, edible gifts, edible vegan gifts, going veg, healthy snack, pepita and dried cherry trail mix, plant based diet, Seeds Of Joy snack mix, sweet and salty trail mix, trail mix, trying vegan, trying vegetarian, vegan challenge, vegan experience, vegan snack, vegan wannabe