Moroccan spiced nuts, dried apricots and golden raisins make this trail mix your number one choice for exotic game day snacking. Because, face facts. Some people are only here for the food.
Pssst. Come here. I’ve got something especially for you.
Yes, you. The one scanning the photos on my wall. Perusing the battered, earmarked books that line my bookshelves. I couldn’t help but notice you because everyone else in the room is riveted by the big game, eyes glued to the television. But you seem like you may not be entirely engaged. I totally get it. Here. Have some trail mix.
It’s good, right?!? I knew we’d be friends.
In my completely and unapologetically biased opinion, this is the best trail mix I’ve ever tasted.
I think trail mix is a really personal thing and perhaps the only way to fully enjoy every bite is to make it yourself and completely customize it to your taste. Otherwise, you’re either picking bits out and wasting food or half-heartedly eating them and wasting calories on food you’re not so crazy about.
No more half-hearted eating! Ok?!?
[clickToTweet tweet=”Moroccan spiced nuts + dried fruit = exotic game day snacking. Go, team!” quote=”Do your tweeps like nuts?” theme=”style1″]
In this Moroccan inspired mix no bite is compromised by a peanut. Or an M&M. Or some weird chunk of unidentifiable dried fruit. (Is that supposed to be papaya?!?)
It’s a great balance between heat and sweet. Crunchy and chewy. Added bonus? There’s no refined sugar.
This trail mix would make a great addition to your game day snack table because, really, how many cheesy, bready, dip-centric things can you eat?!?
OK. A lot.
But, remember, variety IS the spice of life. Even on game day.
- 3 tablespoons grapeseed oil
- 1 tablespoon minced preserved lemon rind
- 1 tablespoon of the brine the preserved lemons are stored in
- 2 teaspoons of +Moroccan Spice Mix+ recipe below.
- 1 cup raw unsalted almonds
- 1 cup raw unsalted cashews
- kosher salt to taste
- 1/2 cup diced dried apricots
- 1/2 cup golden raisins
- +Moroccan Spice Mix+
- 2 teaspoons of ground cumin
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 1/2 teaspoons coriander
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground mustard seed
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
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In a large saucepan over low heat, combine oil, preserved lemon rind, brine and moroccan spices. Stir until well combined.
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Add nuts to saucepan and stir to coat.
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Lay spiced nuts in a single layer on a lined baking sheet.
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Toast for 25 minutes, stirring after 10 minutes and then every 5 minutes until roasted.
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Let cool for a few minutes, then transfer to a paper towel lined plate to let excess oil drain.
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Toss with salt.
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Place in a bowl with apricots and raisins and serve.
Store unused Moroccan Spice Mix in an airtight container with your other spices. It's great on chicken!
This spice mix for this recipe was adapted from Girl Versus Dough’s Spiced Nuts.
demeter | beaming baker says
April 7, 2016 at 11:14 amThank you, Christine, for leaving out the peanuts!! I mean, I <3 peanut butter and all, but peanuts in trail mix? It just doesn't work! Btw, I just love your writing and that handy link you put in the post to get us down to the good stuff (the recipe). Have a great weekend, dear! 😉 Pinning!
Christine says
April 7, 2016 at 5:49 pmThank you Demeter. I got that jump to recipe tip from Amanda at Striped Spatula. I can send you the link to the tutorial if you want to use it on your site.
Sweetima says
March 5, 2016 at 12:11 pmThis looks amazing Christine! I love when trail mix is salty^^
Christine says
March 6, 2016 at 8:30 amOh, me too! Salty/sweet is what I look for in a good trail mix.
Winnie says
February 13, 2016 at 11:42 amI don’t know why I missed this wonderful recipe!!
We LOVE this kind of mix, it’s fantastic. Usually disappears within a minute after serving.
I like the mix of flavors here
Christine says
February 21, 2016 at 2:22 pmThanks, Winnie. I’m fixing to make up a new batch. So great to have on hand.
swayam says
February 12, 2016 at 1:12 amGorgeous C. Beautifully flavored with the spices… and love the post .. and it is the best trail mix in my unabashed ,unbiased opinion too! 😛
Christine says
February 12, 2016 at 8:06 amThanks, Swayam. So glad we’re both so opinionated 😉 xo
Dini @ The Flavor Bender says
February 10, 2016 at 12:58 pmOh my god! I LOVE this!! I love what you wrote too! Everytime I had to visit family when I was a kid, trail mix was the “snack” given until they make something else (apparently feeding you is their goal!) and I HATED it because it had all sorts of stuff and NEVER enough nuts!
I would have been much happier to have this! 😀
Christine says
February 10, 2016 at 1:12 pmHey maybe that’s why they call it “trail mix!” You can leave a trail with the bits you don’t like and KNOW the birds won’t eat it either so you’ll always be able to find your way home!
Welcome to LittleSugarSnaps says
February 9, 2016 at 4:17 pmLoving your Morrocan twist, Christine. Those apricots. With all of those spices. Sport is on ALOT in my house. But it’s not me watching it. It sends me to sleep. I would stay awake with a personal supply of these on my lap though… I may even manage to cheer a couple of times.
Christine says
February 9, 2016 at 5:28 pmI’m sure that would make the sport fan in your home VERY happy. Assuming you cheer at the right time for the right team. ugh. So much to think about….
Meghan | Fox and Briar says
February 9, 2016 at 3:28 pmOh yes, I love love love trailmix, and this spice combo sounds totally amazing! Plus I am with you, I mostly (ok, totally) watch football for the snacks. Go team!
Christine says
February 9, 2016 at 5:27 pmI just finished this batch. New batch coming soon. It is such a great snack. And, um, oh yeah, go team.