There’s nothing quite like the comfort of munching on a snack that hits the spot, especially when those cravings strike! I can still remember those afternoons in college when I’d get the munchies while studying. This little gem of a recipe became my go-to: a delightful mix of nuts, dried cranberries, and dark chocolate chips. It’s the perfect blend of salty and sweet, and let me tell you, it really curbs those pesky cravings! You can whip this up in just 10 minutes, and it’s so satisfying that you’ll feel like you’re treating yourself while keeping it healthy. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be keeping a batch on hand for those moments when you need a quick pick-me-up. Let’s dive into how to make this scrumptious snack!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup of mixed nuts: I love using a combination of almonds, cashews, and walnuts for that perfect crunch. Feel free to mix it up with your favorites!
- 1/2 cup of dried cranberries: These add a delightful sweetness and a pop of color to our snack. Look for unsweetened or lightly sweetened varieties if you prefer less sugar.
- 1/4 cup of dark chocolate chips: Use semi-sweet or dark chocolate for a rich flavor that complements the nuts and cranberries beautifully. Chocolate makes everything better, right?
- 1 teaspoon of sea salt: Just a pinch for that savory kick! It balances the sweetness perfectly, so don’t skip this step.
How to Prepare Instructions
- Start by gathering all your ingredients. It makes the process so much smoother! You’ll want to have your mixed nuts, dried cranberries, dark chocolate chips, and sea salt ready to go.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mixed nuts, dried cranberries, and dark chocolate chips. Give it a gentle stir to mix everything together. I like to use a wooden spoon for this, but any mixing tool will do!
- Now, sprinkle the sea salt over the mixture. This step is crucial for balancing the flavors! Stir everything again until the salt is evenly distributed throughout.
- At this point, you can either serve your snack immediately for that fresh crunch or transfer it to an airtight container if you want to save some for later. If you choose to store it, make sure to seal it tightly to keep everything fresh and tasty.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and super easy to whip up in just 10 minutes!
- Perfect balance of salty, sweet, and crunchy — it really hits the spot!
- Packed with healthy fats and protein from the nuts, making it a satisfying snack.
- Great for on-the-go munching or an afternoon pick-me-up.
- Customizable to your taste — switch up the nuts or add your favorite dried fruits!
Tips for Success
To make sure your snack that hits the spot turns out perfectly, here are my top tips! First, toast your mixed nuts in a dry skillet for a few minutes before mixing; it really enhances their flavor and crunch. Also, don’t be afraid to taste as you mix! Adjust the sweetness or saltiness to match your preferences. Finally, if you find yourself with extra snacks, try adding them to yogurt or oatmeal for a delicious breakfast boost! Trust me, these little tweaks will make your snack even more irresistible!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to mix this snack up! Swap out the mixed nuts for your favorite seeds like pumpkin or sunflower for a nut-free version. Want to add a fruity twist? Try incorporating dried apricots or raisins instead of cranberries! And if you’re a chocolate lover, why not experiment with white chocolate or milk chocolate chips for a sweeter treat? You can even sprinkle in some spices like cinnamon or cayenne pepper for a little kick. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and make it your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your snack that hits the spot is super simple! Just keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature, and they’ll stay fresh for up to a week. If you want to keep them even longer, you can pop the container in the fridge, where they’ll last for about two weeks. However, I don’t usually recommend reheating these — they’re best enjoyed at room temperature, fresh and crunchy! Just grab a handful whenever those cravings strike, and you’re good to go!
Nutritional Information Section
Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so this information is an estimate. For a typical serving size of 1/4 cup of this delightful snack, you’re looking at around 200 calories, 15g of fat (with 3g of saturated fat), 5g of protein, and 20g of carbohydrates. Plus, you get a nice boost of 3g of fiber! Remember, these values can fluctuate, but they give you a good idea of what to expect while you enjoy this satisfying snack that hits the spot!
FAQ Section
Can I use other types of nuts?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in your favorites like pecans or hazelnuts. Just remember, different nuts will bring different flavors and textures to your snack that hits the spot!
How long does this snack last?
Stored properly in an airtight container, it’ll stay fresh for about a week at room temperature or up to two weeks in the fridge. But let’s be honest, it probably won’t last that long!
Is this snack suitable for kids?
You bet! This mix is kid-friendly and provides a great source of energy for playtime. Just be cautious with younger kids and whole nuts — you might want to chop them up a bit!
Can I add spices to this snack?
For sure! Adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or a dash of cayenne pepper can elevate the flavor profile and give it a unique twist. Get creative!
What’s the best way to serve it?
I love serving it in cute little bowls for a party or just having it on hand for snacking throughout the week. It’s perfect for movie nights or afternoon cravings!
A Snack That Hits the Spot: 10-Minute Delightful Mix
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A satisfying snack that curbs your cravings.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of mixed nuts
- 1/2 cup of dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup of dark chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon of sea salt
Instructions
- Mix the nuts, cranberries, and chocolate chips in a bowl.
- Add sea salt and stir until evenly distributed.
- Serve immediately or store in an airtight container.
Notes
- Adjust the ingredients based on your preference.
- Store in a cool, dry place.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: snack, quick snack, healthy snack
