These snacks are family approved, easy to pack up for the beach, lake, or road trip, and WAY healthier than store bought options!
If you don't like Chex Mix, I don't think we can be friends...
*HOMEMADE BOLD STYLE CHEX MIX*
Ingredients:
-3c each rice, wheat, and corn chex (omit wheat for GF option)
-2c pretzel twists/sticks (again, can be swapped for GF pretzels)
-1c mixed nuts of choice
-1/4c pumpkin seeds
-1.5c bagel or pretzel chips (I use garlic flavor pretzel chips) (omit (or maybe use corn tortilla chips?) for #glutenfreeoption)
-3tbsp vegetable oil/margarine
-4tbsp Worcestershire sauce (for #veganoption use vegan Worcestershire sauce or 3tbsp a1 sauce)
-4tbsp soy sauce
-2tbsp garlic salt
-2tbs steak seasoning
-1tsp black pepper
Health Benefits:
-Carbohydrates to provide energy for brain and muscles
-Clean protein source
-Omega fatty acids for brain health
-Unsaturated fats from vegetable oils are considered heart healthy fats
-Consuming sodium in small amounts balances electrolytes
-Black pepper aids in detoxification processes in the body
Preparation:
-In a crock pot or slow cooker, melt the margarine if using. Add seasonings, Worchester, and soy sauce. Mix well.
-While margarine is melting, preheat oven to 200 degrees F
-Add chex cereal, pretzels, bagel/pretzel chips, nuts, and seeds to melted oil and seasonings. Mix well to cover pieces.
-Once pieces are covered, pour into a deep roasting pan. Spread the mixture evenly in the pan.
-Place in the oven and bake for 1 hour, stirring the mixture every 15 minutes.
-Once cooled, pour the Chex mix into an air-tight container and store for up to 4 weeks...although it definitely will not last that long 😉
*HOMEMADE SUGAR FREE GRANOLA*
Ingredients:
-3c rolled oats
-1c bran flakes
-1/2c honey (local if possible)
-1/2c vegetable oil
-1tbsp cinnamon
-3tbsp chia seeds
-1c mixed nuts of choice
-No more than 1c dried fruit
Health Benefits:
-Complex carbohydrates provide energy + support brain function
-Bran contains both carbs and fiber, supporting the gut-brain connection
-Better for blood glucose management, local honey may provide relief from seasonal allergies
-Heart healthy fat source
-Promotes circulation + lymphatic drainage, detoxifying agent
-Omega fatty acids support brain function + reduce mood disorder symptoms
-Clean protein source, also contain healthy fats + OFAs
-Antioxidants promote immune response *Caution! Dried fruit can be VERY high in added sugars. Try baking your own dried fruit or look for sugar free options in store*
Preparation:
-Preheat oven to 225 degrees F.
-In a large bowl, mix together honey, oil, and cinnamon until well combined.
-Add in oats, bran flakes, and nuts. Stir to combine.
-Add in chia seeds + fruit (if using) and gently stir to combine. These pieces get too sticky/clumpy if you add them at the same time as the larger items.
-On a parchment lined baking sheet, pour out your mixture. Spread evenly and pack into clumps if you want them in your finished product. I prefer to keep mine more loose!
-Bake the granola at 225 for about 1 hour, stirring every 20-25 minutes. Place on a wire rack/elevated surface to cool
-If it doesn't look clumpy enough once out of the oven, CAREFULLY form more clumps while the granola is cooling. Wait at least 10 minutes to handle
-Once cooled completely, transfer to an airtight container and store in a cool, dry place for up to 3 weeks. Again...probably won't last that long 😋
*HOMEMADE CHICKPEA COOKIE DOUGH BARS*
Ingredients:
-2 cans chickpeas (drained and rinsed- save the liquid (aquafoba) and whip with a little sugar and vanilla extract to make dairy free whipped cream! #wastefree #dairyfree)
-1/2c pure maple syrup OR 1/4c pure maple syrup + 1/4c honey
-Pinch of salt
-1tsp vanilla extract (make your own by steeping high quality split vanilla beans in unflavored vodka for 2 months, stirring occasionally)
-1/2c dark chocolate chips or chunks (preferable 72% cacao and above)
-OPTION: crunchy granola topping
-1c mixed nuts of choice
-1tbsp chia seeds
-1/2c honey
Health Benefits:
-Clean protein source
-Natural sweetener, easier on blood glucose management, not a harmful sugar alcohol
-Adds sodium, enhances natural sweetness
-Antioxidants promote cellular health, provdes additional sweetness
-Cacao contains powerful antioxidants + flavonoids that promote immune and cardiovascular health while also decreasing mutagenic response
-Clean protein, healthy fat source
-Omega fatty acids for brain health
Preparation:
-In a food processor, add chickpeas, maple syrup/honey (if using), salt, and vanilla. Blend until smooth and creamy
-Remove blade + gently stir in chocolate chips/chunks
-In a small parchment lined pan/baking dish, pour our your chickpea mixture + spread evenly across the bottom of your container (a small square aluminum pan works really well for this- wash before using)
-Place in freezer while preparing next step
-In a clean food processor/blender, add honey, nuts, and chia seeds. Blend until the nuts are chopped into small pieces + the mixture sticks together lightly
-Pour the nut mixture over the chickpea mixture and gently pat down so it sticks together. Place the topped mixture back in the freezer for a few hours to set.
-Once chilled completely, slice into bars or squares. Wrap individually in parchment paper to prevent sticking and transfer to a large ziploc freezer bag. Store in freezer for up to 6 months.
-**These do need to stay cold or things get a little weird. If kept wrapped in parchment, keep them in a cooler or fridge on trips until ready to eat!
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