How To Make a Hearty Trail Mix

Back in my Girl Scout days, we would make our own trail mix (or "gorp" as we called it) to satisfy our hunger pangs while out on hikes. I know this is still recommended for both Boy and Girl Scouts as well as for novice and trained hikers. Trail mixtures are typically a combination of dried fruits, nuts and seeds with hearty grains and a bit of sugar to keep up your blood sugar. It is lightweight, easy to keep and store in a small bag, and packs a hearty punch when you are in need of some energy while being active outdoors!

1. Gather ingredients.
   • Nuts (cashews, peanuts, macadamias, almonds, walnuts)
   • Dried fruits (cranberries, raisins, apricots, apples, banana chips)
   • Dried cereals/carbohydrates (granola, Chex, Cheerios, Kix, pretzel pieces, baked bagel chips)
   • Something sweet (chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, carob chips, butterscotch chips, m&m's, gummy bears, etc.)
   • Seeds (sunflower, pumpkin)
2. Choose at least three items. The best mixture will include one selection from each category listed; although there is no maximum number. (An example would be cashews, raisins, sunflower seeds, pretzel pieces and carob chips.)
3. In a bowl, mix together your own concoction. There are no specific measurements needed.

Get ready to enjoy a crunchy, salty (you can also make it without salted nuts and seeds) and sweet snack in the wilderness. It will curb all of your cravings!