Honey Nut Trail Mix

Honey Nut Trail Mix

2 cups whole almonds, unsalted

2 cups walnut halves

2 cups pecan halves

½ cup honey

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

½ teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup dried cranberries

1 cup golden seedless raisins

1 cup semisweet chocolate chips or chunks

Heat oven to 325 degrees. Lightly butter 2 small cookie sheets or 1 large half-sheet pan.

In a large heatproof bowl, stir the nuts together. Set aside.

In a small saucepan, heat honey and butter until melted and smooth. Add vanilla and cook 1 minute over medium heat until bubbly. Pour over nuts in bowl and stir to coat well. Spread evenly into pan(s) and bake for 28 minutes, stirring every 7 minutes. Cool 10 minutes on pan.

Using a spatula, remove the nuts to a large sheet of waxed or parchment paper. Break up clusters with spoon. Cool completely.

In large container, mix nuts together with dried fruit and chocolate chips. Cover tightly.

Serves 24.

Baker's hint: If nuts feel tacky or sticky after cooling, return to 300-degree oven for 10-15 minutes.

Nutrition values per serving: 325 calories, 26 g fat, 22 g carbohydrates, 3 g fiber, 8 g protein, 3 mg cholesterol, 4 mg sodium.