I’ve been spending a lot of time at the mountains here in Idaho recently, and I am not one of those people that like to have lunch at the mountain lodges. Why? Because:
1) the food served often resembles “fast food” like hamburgers, pizza and fries, and 2) I want to make the most of my ski time!
However, I do want to fuel up for my adventures, and I want my hubby and kids to have something nutritious and filling available.
Thus, I set out to invent something that fits the requirements, including that I could put it in my pocket!
After some experimentation, Fruit and Nut Clusters were invented. They are delicious! Very versatile too—I am dreaming about endless possibilities with different kinds of nuts and/or fruits. You might want to figure out a way to substitute or reduce the amount of butter if you are on the alert for saturated-fat. But I love butter! Dave Asprey would agree, as long as it’s grass-fed.
Ingredients:
– Nuts
– dried fruit
– 1 stick of butter, melted
– ½ cup honey
– Optional: seasonings like cinnamon, or an extract like vanilla
Directions:
Blend the nuts and dried fruit in a Cuisinart until chunky. Add all ingredients to mix together.
Press into a baking dish (I used 3 pie dishes because that is what I had clean) and bake at 350 degrees for about 20-25 minutes, until the nuts are starting to brown.
When the dish has cooled, break into pieces and store in the fridge. Then wrap some up for your pocket and go on a long calorie-burning adventure!
We now fondly refer to this as “mountain food!”
Update on “Mountain Food”
I am updating everyone on the latest versions of the Fruit and Nut Clusters (which my family calls “Mountain Food).
I have been adding some indulgent dark chocolate into the mix. YUM.
Now that I’ve added dark chocolate, my husband is always asking, “when are you making Mountain Food again?” I’ve made it with dried goji berries, dried organic strawberries, and even crystallized ginger. My next time? Dried cherries and chocolate chips! Please comment on what your favorite version of Mountain Food/Fruit and Nut Clusters is…it is always fun to experiment with new ideas!
I also like to take Mountain Food along on my Nordic (cross-country) ski adventures. 
PS. I just discovered this other amazing nut/chocolate treat. Maybe not as healthy as fruit and nut clusters, and this recipe is certainly more work.
But OMG, if you like Reese’s peanut butter cups (or your kids love them as mine do), this homemade version from Pamela Salzman is UH-mazing.
I might just have home-made almond butter cups in the other pocket!
Want to learn how “Food Feelings” affect your health and how to eat for optimal energy and well-being? Please check out this FREE Make Nutrition Fun Course on teachable!
