Liz and her boyfriend, Ron, head off on their 2 month long cross-country trip tomorrow morning. Today, Ron made homemade trail mix to take along for snacks. I tasted this trail mix tonight when we went over to Ron’s parent’s house for a send-off dinner for our two kids, and I must say it is exceptionally tasty. The difficulty Liz and Ron will have is not eating all of this stuff on the first two days of the trip. Here is the recipe, which is taken from Food Network and was submitted courtesy of Claire Robinson. Try it. Eating healthy has never tasted so good!
Happy trails, Liz and Ron.
Pumpkin Seed Dried Cherry Trail Mix
Ingredients:
2 cups baby pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
1 cup slivered almonds
¾ cup raw sunflower seeds
6 tablespoons pure Grade B maple syrup
Course salt
1 cup dried cherries or cranberries
Directions
Preheat oven to 300 degrees F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
In a large bowl, toss the pumpkin seeds, almonds, and sunflower seeds and the syrup until evenly coated. Spread the nuts and seeds out in an even single layer on the lined baking sheets and season with salt to taste. Bake the nuts, stirring several times with a spatula or wooden spoon, until just golden, about 20 minutes.
Cool then nuts completely on the pan, then add the cherries and toss to combine. Store cooled trail mix in an airtight container at room temperature.
20 Minutes a Day 
Although I don’t know you personally, I am a reader of your blog — which brings a certain level of “knowing.” If your daughter and Ron will be traveling in the upstate NY area, we offer them place/s to stay. My husband and I live on seven acres on the edge of a rural village — with a couple of possible guest accommodations (in the house or the adjoining cabin). And my daughter and her boyfriend (who live in Binghamton, NY) routinely host a number of couch-surfers and other guests. Just let us know.
Dear Barbara, That is such a kind and generous offer. I am truly touched. I read your response to LIz and she was so pleased. Right now, we have friends in upstate New York who have offered accommodations, but if Liz and Ron find themselves in need of a spot, I am certain you’ll be getting an email. Thank you SO much!
Aren’t fellow bloggers wonderful!? 🙂
I wish Liz and Ron two most enjoyable months of travel.
I plan to try this trail mix around Halloween. Thanks, Len.
Yes, fellow bloggers ARE wonderful! And you will love this trail mix. Hugs, Tess.
🙂
Wondering if I could use honey instead of maple syrup?
I’m sure honey would be fine. Can’t imagine why not.
Len,
My husband and I traveled around the country for almost a year in small vehicles (mostly in a Roadtrek – a 21 foot fancy van). Stayed a lot at campgrounds and at friend’s and relative’s homes — and people along the way were gracious and interesting. A number of years ago my daughter took a month to drive across the country alone (from AZ to CA and then back to NY) and she had many wonderful encounters along the way. Our offer is just another simple pay-it-forward. So if your daughter and boyfriend do want to explore our region, we sincerely hope they contact us. We certainly will understand if they do not…and I was glad to read that they have contacts in this area.
Ah, well, I am going to pass on your contact info, Barbara. It sounds as if you know exactly what these kids will be doing over the next 2 months. I truly appreciate your offer. It’s very sweet. Paying it forward – so nice! Thank you.