Edible Skin Care Recipes - Part V

Hello All . . . This is the last blog in the series of "Edible Skin Care Recipes". The following recipe is super yummy and great for your skin, energy, and health. Hope you enjoy it!

SWEET - N - NUTTY SNACK MIX

Convenient and portable. One hundred percent better for you than a candy bar or chips! I often keep a baggie of this mixture or a similar one in my purse so I don't feel tempted to visit the nearest drive-through window when the munchies hit! If you frequently travel via airplane, this makes a terrific snack to carry with you on the plane. Beats airport food any day!

This dried fruit and nut trail mix contains the essential fats, proteins, and complex carbohydrates your body craves just before that midafternoon slump kicks in and all the nutrients your skin demands to stay in tip-top shape.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup raw almonds
1/2 cup raw hazelnuts
1/2 cup dried, unsulfured, pitted cherries (cut in half if large)
1/2 cup large, unsulfured raisins
1/2 cup raw Brazil nuts
1/4 cup lightly salted sunflower seeds, toasted (or use raw and unsalted)
1/4 cup lightly salted pumpkin seeds, toasted (or use raw and unsalted)
1/4 cup dried, unsulfured, chopped, apricots
Dash of cinnamon or nutmeg powder (optional)

To Make: Place all ingredients into a plastic freezer bag or food storage container and shake well. Keep tightly sealed in the refrigerator unless consumed within 2 weeks as raw nuts become rancid quicker than roasted ones.

To Use: Consume a handful or so whenever the snacking mood strikes. Try to remember portion control here as nuts and seeds contain a lot of oil and if you are trying to lose weight, these calories can add up quickly. One serving is generally a 1/4 cup or so.

Yield: Approximately 3 1/4 cups of snack mix.

To Toast or Not To Toast

Toasting nuts, seeds, and coconut does enhance the flavor of cookies and this snack mix, but also diminishes their nutritional content. If you decide to toast, here's how:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the ingredients in an ungreased baking pan - in a single layer - and bake for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the contents of the pan begin to turn slightly golden brown. Your kitchen should smell quite yummy!


NOTE: This recipe was adapted from the book, "Naturally Healthy Skin" by Stephanie Tourles, Storey Publishing, 1999. The information is true and complete to the best of my knowledge. All recommendations are made without guarantee on the part of me, the author, and are for your enjoyment and educational purposes only. I disclaim any liability in connection with the use of this information.