I grew up on homemade trail mix.  Usually it consisted of peanuts, raisins, and chocolate chips and it was such a treat.  This is my grown up, sort of healthified version of trail mix.  I originally found the recipe on Food Network and changed it up a tiny bit.

Start with raw almonds, raw pepitas, and maple syrup.

Chop the almonds — or you could use slivered or sliced almonds.

Add pepitas and toss with real maple syrup — not the kind you find on the table at a diner.  The real stuff.  I was using grade B, but either grade A or B would work fine.  I usually buy mine once a year by the gallon in Amish Country for about $40/gallon.  However you decide to buy it, make sure you keep it refrigerated once it’s open.  It’s not fun to open up a gallon of syrup and realize you forgot to refrigerate it.  Trust me.

Toss until completely coated.

Put it on a greased pan (or use a silicone mat or parchment paper).

Sprinkle it with sea salt.  I used this much.  I like the sweet/salty combo, so I used quite a bit.  Additionally, since I used raw pepitas and raw almonds, it has no other salt.

Bake it at 300 degrees for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.  

Let it cool, then add the dried cherries and toss.

I love this just how it is, but I had it on plain greek yogurt yesterday, drizzled with honey and it was absolutely amazing.  Next time you need an afternoon pick me up, pick some of this up instead of a candy bar or some other chocolatey badness!

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