Nuts are a great way to curb hunger cravings. This tasty nut snack mix is a slightly sweet, slightly clumpy version of a trail mix — simply speaking, this is a granola minus the actual oats. It was created as a post-workout snack and something to toss in a camelback, as the protein and raw sugar is a perfect pick-me-up. Be sure to buy raw, unsalted nuts to make this with, or you will end up with a funky mix, no matter how awesome you think sweet and salty might be.

Sweet and Spicy Nut Mix

  • 1 cup sliced almonds
  • 1 cup macadamia nuts or cashews
  • 1 cup whole almonds
  • ½ cup raw hulled sunflower seeds
  • ½ cup flaxseeds
  • 1 cup shredded, unsweetened coconut
  • 1/8 cup vegetable oil
  • 1/8 cup natural creamy peanut butter (almond and cashew butter also works well)
  • 1/8 to ¼ cup raw, unfiltered honey or agave nectar (both work well)
  • 1 tablespoon cinnamon
  • 1 -2 teaspoons cayenne pepper

    • Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. In a large baking dish, mix peanut butter, cinnamon, honey, cayenne and oil. Add the remainder of the ingredients and stir until evenly coated. Toast in the oven for 10 minutes, stir, and then stir after every five minutes (or it will burn!). Mix will be done after 35 or so minutes, depending on how long it takes you to stir things.

    This article appears in May 27 – Jun 2, 2010.