Sweet Maple Nut Mix
I like having a jar of something crunchy in the kitchen, especially when it can work as both a snack and a finishing touch for breakfast.
This sweet maple nut mix is one of my favourites. The maple syrup gives the nuts and seeds a light caramelised sweetness, while a little salt keeps it from becoming overly sweet. From there, you can make it your own with whatever you have in the pantry.
Add dried cranberries, chopped dates or apricots for a little chewiness, coconut flakes for extra texture, or cacao nibs or dark chocolate if you fancy something richer. You can also use any combination of nuts and seeds you have on hand, making this a particularly good recipe for using up the odds and ends in your pantry.
I love it scattered over yoghurt or fresh fruit, but most often you'll find me eating it by the handful when I want something quick in the afternoon.
It's also one of the simple preparations from my Mindful Meal Prep System. A little batch takes minutes to make and gives you something ready to reach for throughout the week.
Ingredients
2 cups mixed nuts and seeds
2 tbsp maple syrup
Pinch of salt
Optional dried fruit: cranberries, chopped Medjool dates or dried apricots
Optional sunflower or pumpkin seeds
Optional coconut flakes
Optional dark chocolate, chopped, or cacao nibs
Method
Heat a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the nuts, seeds and coconut flakes, if using, and toast for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently so they don't catch.
Add the maple syrup and stir well until everything is evenly coated. Tip onto a sheet of greaseproof paper and spread out, then leave to cool completely.
Once cool, break apart any clusters and stir through the dried fruit, cacao nibs or chopped dark chocolate, if using.
How to use it
Scatter over yoghurt, porridge or fresh fruit, or simply enjoy a handful as an afternoon snack. It's also lovely sprinkled over chia pudding or overnight oats.
Storage
Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
From my Mindful Meal Prep System
This recipe is included in my Mindful Meal Prep System, an easy and flexible approach to meal preparation designed for busy people who want useful food ready to go without spending hours preparing complete meals.
The system focuses on simple foundations that can be used in different ways throughout the week, alongside practical mindful eating guidance.
