Spicy Maple Cheddar Snack Mix
- Prep Time: 5 min (not inclusive of the time the pecans need to cool)
- Cook Time: 2-3 min
- Total Time: 30 min
- Yield: 2-3 Cups
This sweet and spicy snack mix makes the perfect on the go snack no matter where your busy day takes you!
Ingredients:
Ingredients for the Chili Maple Pecans:
1 Tablespoon butter or coconut oil
1 c. raw, unsalted pecan halves
2 Tablespoons maple syrup
¾ teaspoon chili powder
Pinch salt
Ingredients for the Snack Mix:
1 batch chili maple pecans
1 box Simple Mills Farmhouse Cheddar and/or Simple Mills Smoky BBQ Cheddar Crackers
½ cup chopped jerky (beef, turkey, etc)
2/3 cup chopped dried unsweetened and unsulfured apples
¼ cup golden raisins
¼ cup sunflower seedsInstructions:
To Make the Chili Maple Pecans:
MELT the butter or oil in a large heavy bottomed pan (such as cast iron) over medium high heat.
ADD the pecans and STIR until they are coated with butter/oil.
ADD the maple syrup and STIR for about 1 minute until the pecans are well-coated.
Remove the pan from the heat
SPRINKLE the pecans with chili powder and salt.
SET aside to cool and harden.
REMOVE the pecans from the pan once they are completely cooled (and break them up if some have stuck together).
To Make the Snack Mix:
Gently TOSS the pecans together with the crackers, jerky, apples, raisins and sunflower seeds until well combined.
Tips:
Reduce chili powder to ½ teaspoon, if you prefer a more subtle chili flavor.
Make this nut free by eliminating the pecans, or replacing them with pumpkin seeds.
Make this vegetarian or vegan by using vegan jerky.
If you don’t plan to eat this snack mix within 48 hours of making it, use raw or roasted pecans instead of the chili maple pecans.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 48 hours (with chili maple pecans) or 1 week (with raw or roasted pecans).