Mix It Up

Mix it Up

BY EMME BOWE PHOTOS BY AMIR PHILLIPS

Finding a snacking option during the winter season that is convenient, healthy, and can last an entire Hallmark movie’s worth of mindless eating can be difficult. For those who want to enjoy a festive treat without the hassle of baking, trail mix is a simple and tasty option. Trail mixes traditionally combine nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and chocolate. This sweet and savory blend provides a great source of healthy fats, fiber, and protein. Beyond its simplicity and health benefits, the beauty of trail mix lies with the lack of rules. Fitness fanatics can customize their recipe to fit their macros. Chocoholics can add candy, cereal, or chocolate covered pretzels to satisfy their sweet tooths. There is a trail mix assortment for every type of person and every type of craving. Trail mix does not require a recipe because one can simply throw anything into the bowl, but here is some inspiration for a trail mix that can hang with the baked goods at the potluck. Trail mix is totally customizable, so feel free to change the proportions or substitute any ingredients.

Trail Mix

Ingredients Directions

• 1 cup of salted cashews • 1 cup of roasted pumpkin seeds • 1 cup of pistachios • 1 cup of sweetened dried cranberries • 1 cup of Holiday M&Ms • 1 cup of yogurt covered pretzels

1. Pour ingredients into a large bowl. 2. Mix until ingredients are evenly distributed.

3. Enjoy!

Water cascades elegantly over the rocks on a cloudy, fall day at Blackwater Falls in late October 2022. The autumn, mountain air blows across the water, and the water crashes into itself, creating a harmonious noise.