grub with the hubs | trail (re)mix

I am absolutely, positively ecstatic to announce a new series on my blog featuring my wonderful husband, Jonathan! Anyone who knows me knows that I don't cook. Like, ever. I was lucky enough to land a man who knows his way around the kitchen. He loves making delicious meals for me and I love him for it!

I thought it would be so fun to give him his own space on my blog and thankfully he agreed! I hope to have him on the blog regularly and I'm sure you'll pick up some great culinary tips. 

In his inaugural post, the hubs takes a new spin on a classic snack: trail mix! Want to know a not-so-fun fact? I am deathly allergic to peanuts! So this trail (re)mix is the perfect solution when you are forced to take peanuts out of your cooking equation. Check out the premiere of my new series, Grub with the Hubs!

 

Trail (Re)Mix

The first time I ever ate trail mix, I was probably in 6th grade.  I know this sounds really late in my life for trying a particularly "common" food, but that's what life is like for a kid growing up with immigrant parents.  You tend to eat a lot of non-American foods, and when you do get to try something like trail mix, it seems exotic and new.

I still remember that the first time I tried it, I was told that it was "scientifically engineered" for sustained energy.  The chocolate and fruit were supposed to give you energy right away, and the peanuts and almonds were supposed to give lasting energy for a longer period of time.  As a kid, I cared less about the energy potential of this concocted snack, and cared more about picking out the chocolate.  (I mean, come on, what 6th grader wants to eat almonds when CHOCOLATE is available?!?!)

Shortly after I started dating Alyssa, many of my favorite foods needed to be re-worked. Because of her peanut allergy, I could not eat peanuts either or else I risked putting her life in danger.  Peanut butter & jelly sandwiches became cashew butter & jelly sandwiches. I had to cut out candy and other desserts with peanuts as well. 

 

This past weekend, we went on a long hike in Zion National Park. What's better food for hiking than trail mix? Unfortunately, many trail mixes come with peanuts or are made with peanut oil. So I decided to "scientifically engineer" my own trail mix.  Alyssa and I both loved it, and it really is a great snack if you need energy for a longer day. And it's pretty healthy, but of course there still had to be chocolate in there. The combination of the salty/sweet is a perfect blend whether you are taking on a challenging hike or just sitting at home on the couch! And it's so easy to make.

Ingredients

1 Cup - Whole Roasted Cashews (salted)*

 

1 Cup - Whole Raw Almonds

 

1/2 Cup - Shelled Sunflower Seeds

 

1/4 Cup - Craisins (aka dried cranberries)

 

1/2 Cup - Raspberry M&Ms (Yes, they exist. And yes, they are delicious.)

 

*Note: To make sure this recipe is completely peanut-free, make sure you check the ingredients on the cashews for peanut oil! As always, keep your allergy medicine on hand in case a peanut slips by undetected.

Mix in a bowl and divide into zip-lock bags.  Keep them in a cool, dry place, and this snack will last a few days.  Make sure to give it a quick shake right before eating, as the sunflower seeds tend to congregate at the bottom of the bag.  And Enjoy!

 

 

Didn't my hubby do a fabulous job his first day on the blog? And trust me, everyone...this recipe is as yummy as it sounds! I couldn't stop snacking on it all weekend! Let me know what you think of my new series in the comments section. And definitely let me know if you end up making this trail mix or if you have any other peanut-free suggestions!