Oh, nuts.
If you’re one who craves the salty, the smoky, the peppered and hot, then these nuts are your bag, baby. If you tend to run a little sweeter, with warm spices and subtle glazes that pique your interest, stay right here. Things are about to get candied.
And let’s talk sugar for a moment, shall we? So many divides in the general nutrition and wellness space when it comes to how and why sweeteners like maple syrup or honey come into play. My top tips around figuring out your relationship with these are as follow:
- How are your blood sugar levels? Do you tolerate doses of sugars, period? Or would a stint of blood sugar balance reclamation feel appropriate first, before reintegration?
- Which do you enjoy? All? Some? Do you like the taste of some more over other? Can you notice preferences?
- What are your end goals? Does encouraging consumption of sweet tasting things align with these? I think “yes” is an option MANY people are afraid of, but would actually, MOST of the time, be the authentic answer.
- Is the story you’ve learned about sweet tasting foods true? Are there multiple stories? Can you unpack these first before deciding to never pack sweetness into your lunch bag again?
- Are there other considerations that are unique and individual to you?
Sweet Spicy Trail Mix
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4 people
Ingredients
- 1 cup almonds raw
- 1 cup walnuts raw
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon each: cinnamon cardamom, cloves, ginger, cayenne powder
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Line a baking tray with foil (or wax paper).
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Lightly oil (coconut or olive oil) foil.
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In a medium bowl, mix nuts with maple syrup until evenly coated.
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Stir in the spices and sea salt.
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Spread nuts onto prepared baking tray in a single layer and place in oven to cook for 10 minutes.
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Take out, stir, and return the oven for another ten minutes, stirring once more after 5 minutes.
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Remove from oven, and allow to cool completely.