Almond Snack Mix: A Crunchy and Nutritious Treat

Overview: This blog post presents a delightful Almond Snack Mix recipe, perfect for a healthy and satisfying snack. This recipe is part of the YMCA’s Community Health initiative, which aims to promote healthy eating habits through simple and nutritious recipes.

Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup whole, unsalted almonds
• 2/3 cup whole-grain cereal squares
• 1/2 cup low-fat granola (without raisins)
• 1/4 cup dried apricot halves, cut into pieces (or 1/4 cup golden raisins)
• 1/4 cup sweetened, dried cranberries

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F.
2. Toast the Almonds: Spread the almonds in a single layer on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring once or twice to ensure even baking. Transfer to a plate to cool completely.
3. Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, stir together the whole-grain cereal squares, low-fat granola, dried apricots (or golden raisins), and dried cranberries. Add the cooled almonds and mix well.
4. Serve: The snack mix is ready to enjoy. Serving size is 1/2 cup.

Tip: If you plan to store the snack mix for later, use golden raisins instead of dried apricots. The moisture from the apricots may cause the cereal to lose its crispness.

Nutritional Benefits: This Almond Snack Mix is a great source of fiber, healthy fats, and essential vitamins. The almonds provide protein and healthy fats, while the whole-grain cereal and granola add fiber. Dried fruits contribute natural sweetness and vitamins, making this mix a nutritious option for a quick snack.

Community Health Initiative: This recipe is part of the YMCA’s Community Health initiative, which encourages healthy eating habits by providing easy and nutritious recipes. By incorporating more wholesome ingredients into your diet, you can enjoy delicious snacks and improve your overall health.

Enjoy this crunchy and nutritious Almond Snack Mix as part of your daily routine!