Happy, Happy Cinnamon Trail Mix

Why did I call this Cinnamon Trail Mix "Happy, Happy," you ask? 
Well, the answer could be that I've been watching too much Duck Dynasty lately, or maybe that it really does make you Happy, Happy when you eat it. 

It is one of those healthy snacks that will tide you over when you need a little something mid-day, or when you have a sweet tooth and would rather skip the candy bar, or some over-the-top dessert you probably shouldn't have anyway. If you have ever been to New York City, and stopped at one of the street vendors selling roasted cashews, almonds, etc., well, this trail mix tastes just about like that! No kidding!

I try to incorporate nuts daily into my diet because of all their health benefits, as well as using them to substitute in recipes that call for flour. I have used a few types of ground nuts, like cashews and almonds, for crusts in cheesecake recipes, and for pie crusts on several occasions.

According to the Mayo Clinic, nuts when incorporated into your daily diet can lower the LDL (the bad cholesterol) level in your blood, which is one of the primary causes of heart disease. Consuming nuts also reduces the risk of developing blood clots. Other benefits contained within nuts are Omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, Vitamin E, and more.1

Other healthy ingredients found in this recipe is coconut (which I've already praised numerous times for all of its health benefits), dark chocolate (helps control blood sugar, and full of antioxidants), dried blueberries (high in vitamins A, E, and B), cranberries (high in vitamin C and fiber), and cinnamon (regulates blood sugar, reduces LDL levels, and reduces pain caused from arthritis).2


So, do you want to know how to make it? Well, it's pretty easy, but does take some time. You'll need about an hour or so to make it from start to finish.

Happy, Happy Cinnamon Trail Mix
Ingredients:
3 cups mixed nuts, salted
1/4 cup agave nectar, light
3 tablespoons of ground cinnamon
1 cup unsweetened coconut chips (can be found at the Honest Weight Co-op in the bulk section)
1/4 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup dried blueberries
1 bar dark chocolate, 72% cacao, or higher, chopped coarsely
cinnamon sugar (recipe to follow)

Cinnamon Sugar
Ingredients:
1/4 cup ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons white sugar
Directions:
Mix ingredients and combine well.

Trail Mix Directions:
Preheat oven to 350°. 
Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. 
In a medium sized bowl, mix agave nectar and cinnamon until combined well. 
Add nuts to cinnamon mixture and mix well making sure to coat all the nuts. 
Spread nuts evenly on baking sheet and place in the oven to roast for about 20-30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes. Once the nuts are a nice golden brown color, remove and let cool.

On a second baking sheet, spread an even layer of coconut chips and place in the oven. Check every 5 minutes, and remove when coconut starts turning a nice light to golden brown. Be careful not too burn the coconut. 
Remove and let cool.

Once the nuts have cooled, place them in a large bowl. They will still be sticky and stuck together. Gently break them apart in the bowl with your hands. 
Add cinnamon sugar, and toss to coat all the nuts. Then, add your toasted coconut, and the rest of the ingredients. Mix well, and serve.


This recipe makes about 3 1/2 cups. 
This recipe is gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan (depending on the chocolate you choose).


1. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/nuts/HB00085
2. http://www.care2.com/greenliving/10-surprising-health-benefits-of-cinnamon.html