Sanity-Saving Snacks

I don’t think anyone will argue that these are trying times we are living in right now, with an international health crisis changing everything as we know it.

When the news began to unfold, I was paying attention, but not panicking. I went to our local Costco last Tuesday and there were plenty of supplies, even with people beginning to stock up. I bought our normal amount of things, not for a moment thinking that by Thursday, the nation would have a shortage of toilet paper, cleaning supplies and many, many food items.

With kids now home from school with no end date in sight and many parents working from home, it’s natural to get a bit snacky. Many of us also tend to snack more when we are stressed out and some may have already run out of “pandemic snacks.”

If this is familiar to you, I have a snack option that you can whip up with items you hopefully already have in your pantry.

We love a good trail mix, and traditionally trail mix is high in protein and other nutritious elements, so you can munch away fairly guilt-free. There are many brands I love, but it is so easy to throw together your own and customize it to your liking.

This particular mix was inspired by my most recent trip to Costco. I looked at all of their yummy trail mixes, but decided to make my own. I did, however, purchase some fancy Spanish almonds called Marcona almonds.

They are delicious, but shaped differently, being more round and flat, and softer than your average almond. These characteristics make them a better option for people with braces or sensitive dental appliances like our family. This canister was about $10, but you only use about 1/4 of it for one batch of trail mix. If you do not have these and do not want to brave Costco, regular almonds are just fine.

I also mixed in whole cashews and dry-roasted peanuts. You can add any nuts you prefer, or eliminate them all together, if you have allergies.

The best trail mix has components that are salty, sweet, crunchy and chewy. Some use granola clusters or cereal as a base, some are just nuts and fruit. To add more fiber, I used Honey Nut Cheerios as the base of this mix, then added plenty of nuts, dried fruit and chocolate.

As for dried fruits, I used dried tart cherries and cranberries, to add a sweet and sour element. If you prefer raisins or other dried fruits, feel free to wing it.

The all-important element is chocolate. I love mixing chocolate in as it is a perfect combination with nuts and dried fruits. Ideally, mini chocolate chips and M&Ms are best, but I only had regular-sized. Use whichever you prefer.

There is great freedom in trail mix, and very little judgement – a great metaphor for how we should proceed through this crisis. Make your snack mix as you wish, survive your quarantine the best way you can.

Let’s support one another, from a safe distance, of course. Check in on your friends and family and be flexible and loving in every way possible.

Happy snacking and stay safe!