Sweet and Spicy Nut Mix

A little sweet, a touch of heat ( optional) and a hint of fresh rosemary. A perfect snack or party favorite! Make sure you buy raw, unsalted fresh nuts! This makes approx 5 1/2 cups to enjoy ( but not at one time!)

Ingredients:

2 cups raw walnut halves or pecans

2 cups of whole raw almonds

1 1/2 cup pepitas

2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh rosemary

2 tablespoons unsalted butter( if salted adjust salt measurement) Vegan option: use olive oil

1 teaspoon of flake salt

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper. For less spice use cinnamon or pumpkin spice

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.

Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat so the maple syrup doesn’t get stuck to the pan (this is important).

Pour the almonds, pecans and pepitas in a bowl and set it aside.

In another bowl, combine the optional rosemary (or any other added seasonings), maple syrup, melted butter, salt, vanilla, and cayenne (if you’re using). Gently combine nuts and toss until coated

Put the nut mixture on the prepared baking sheet. Spread the mixture in a single layer on the pan.

Place in the oven, stirring after the first 10 minutes and then every 5 minutes , until the nuts are a deep golden color, 23 to 25 minutes. (The maple syrup coating will be a little sticky right out of the oven, but will harden as the nuts cool.)

Remove the pan from the oven and stir the nuts one more time, spreading them into an even layer across the pan. Let them cool down for about 10 minutes.

Let the nut mixture cool completely on the pan. Store in a glass jar at room temperature.

Overnight Oats

For a quick AM breakfast or “on the go” breakfast, add ingredients the night before in a 8 oz glass jar w/ lid or container and refrigerate. In the AM you will have breakfast or a snack ready to go.

Here is my personal favorite.

Ingredients

• 1/ 2 cup raw oats (quick, regular, or mixed)

• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk

• 1 tablespoon chia seeds

• 1/8 tsp hemps hearts ( optional)

• 1/4 tsp of vanilla extract

• 1 tsp maple syrup

Add in’s

1/2 diced apple ( 1 tablespoon applesauce), 1 tsp cinnamon, 1 tablespoon chopped pecans

1 tablespoon nut butter, 1 tablespoon of my Chia Seed Jam (pb&j) and fresh berries to top

1 tablespoon protein powder, 1 teaspoon of peanut butter, 1/2 sliced banana, goji berries, top w/ cacao nibs.

Simple But Mighty Oatmeal

There’s nothing like a warm simple oatmeal to start the day …and the toppings are endless! You can make this simple recipe into one of the healthiest and mightiest ways to start your day!

Ingredients

• ½ cup uncooked org rolled oats

• 1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk or water

• Pinch of salt

• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon ( optional)

• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

  My favorite toppings to choose from :

• 1 tablespoon maple syrup, 1/4 cup berries, 2 tablespoons of sliced roasted almonds, 1/2 teaspoon of nut butter, 1/2 chopped apple, sprinkle of cinnamon, banana slices, 1/4 teaspoon of chia seeds, 1 teaspoon goji berries, 1 tablespoon of dried cranberries, 1 tablespoon of roasted pumpkin seeds.

Instructions

1. Add all ingredients in a pot or saucepan over medium heat

2. Bring to a boil then reduce to a low simmer for about 5-7 minutes

3. Oatmeal is done when most of the liquid is absorbed.

4. Transfer to bowl and add on your favorite toppings

5. Enjoy