When I was at Fitbloggin in September, I had a chance to be truly introduced to McCormick Spices and to understand their Generation Fresh mission. While I’d seen their brand in the grocery store since I was a child, I never knew the passion that was brewing at McCormick to help keep America healthy.
After hearing about Generation Fresh (often seen on Twitter as #GenFresh), I knew it was a movement that I wanted to be a part of. So, how am I incorporating #GenFresh into my life?
I’m cooking with more herbs and seasonings, and considering the impact of adding flavor using spice instead of using fat. It’s been remarkable so far! I’m also scouring the McCormick website on the regular for new recipes. Their test kitchens are coming up with a lot of GREAT healthy recipes for its consumers. If you haven’t yet checked them out, click here to browse their library.
To date, I’ve made three recipes from their collection, all of which have been wonderful:
The third recipe is, of course, today’s featured recipe: Super Spice Trail Mix. This flavorful snack mix is perfect for a late afternoon snack, and is highly portable! By portable, I mean that you could tuck it in your pocket for that day on the slopes, or that hiking trip that you’re heading out on. It’s even great tossed in a lunchbox, or in a purse for a travel day.
It’s super easy to make and, honestly, kind of fun to put together. I had a blast at Sprouts getting all the ingredients together from their bulk section. I definitely recommend finding a store like Sprouts or Whole Foods that has the bulk option, because then you can purchase just the amount you need of each ingredient.
And, the end product was so gorgeous! Definitely recommend trying this one….
Super Spice Trail Mix
From McCormick.com
Makes 24 (1/4-cup) servings
INGREDIENTS
1/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
2 teaspoons McCormick® Cinnamon, Ground
2 teaspoons McCormick® Ginger, Ground
2 teaspoons McCormick® Paprika
1 cup unsalted whole almonds
1 cup rolled oats
1 cup unsalted pecan halves
1 cup roasted salted pepitas (shelled pumpkin seeds)
1 cup salted shelled pistachios
1/4 cup thawed apple juice concentrate
2/3 cup dried cherries or dried cranberries
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 250°F. Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger and paprika in small bowl. Set aside.
2. Place almonds, oats, pecans, pepitas and pistachios in large bowl. Add thawed apple juice concentrate; toss until nuts are evenly coated.
3. Sprinkle with spice mixture, tossing to coat well.
4. Spread evenly on two 15x10x1-inch baking pans.
3. Bake 30 minutes, stirring halfway through cook time.
4. Cool completely on wire rack. Stir in cherries and raisins.
Note: I substituted cranberries for the raisins.
5. Store in an airtight container, and/or share it with friends.
Per 1/4 cup serving:
CAL 190; FAT 16g; SAT FAT 6g; CARB 11g; FIB 2g; PROT 4g; SUG 5g
WW Points+ 6; WW Smart Points: 8
Are you a trail mix fan? What’s your favorite ingredient to have in your trail mix?