Tall Tale Trail Mix
My grandpa used to make a trail mix that would allow him to walk through the mountains without sleep for two weeks solid. His hair grew back, and it gave him the strength of ten men. Bears could smell his trail mix half a mile away. Once, he even had to wrestle a bear almost twice his size. Further into the mountains, a hungry sansquatch came out of the woods trying to steal his famous mix. They ended up becoming friends and sitting down for supper and exchanging tales to the wee hours of the morning.

Trail mixes have a famous tradition amongst backpackers, cyclists, campers and canoeists. The reputation for sustained energy is unrivaled. A couple of handfuls are filling, quick and nutritious. Trail mixes are concentrated foods that make a full meal. They are convenient and can be eaten on the move. The great part about trail mixes is that raw nuts digest better when they are chewed together with dried fruits. Instead of buying someone else’s trail mix, create you own, personalized to your taste buds. Here are some suggestions of ingredients you can include in your trail mix.

peanuts shredded coconut
chopped dates chopped figs
raisins currants
dried apricots dried banana chips
cashews almonds
sesame seeds sunflower seeds
filberts brazil nuts
pumpkin seeds whole oats
pistachio nuts dried apple
walnuts powdered seaweed

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King Almond Spread

2 Tbs. ground almonds
1 tsp. honey
2 Tbs. yeast
pinch of salt
2 Tbs. water

Almonds are considered the "king" of nuts and are 18% protein. Raw almonds are high in omega 9 and omega 6 and low in saturated fats. This spread is absolutely wonderful on baked sweet potatoes or bread.

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Nature's Delight Almond Dressing
Serves 2

1/2 cup raw almonds
1/2 lemon
1/2 cup water
1 Tbs. honey
1/2 tsp. lemon pepper
1 Tbs. chives
1/2 tsp. sweet basil
1 slice ginger
1/2 clove garlic

Blend all ingredients at high speed for 4 minutes. As your mind reels with exquisite sensations of almonds, blended herbs, lemon and ginger, your guests will cry in delight. Wholesome, healthy, natural, full of life. As the not-so-subtle taste sensations explode, don’t feel guilty. It's good for you.

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Almond Sky
Spice Dip
Serves 2

1/4 cup raw almonds
2 tsp. Worchestershire sauce
1-2 tsp. honey
1/2 tsp. chili powder
2 tsp. Good Tasting Yeast
1 tsp. poppy seeds
1/2 tsp. onion powder
1/8 cup water
pinch black pepper

Blend almonds in coffee grinder, only a small amount at a time. Pour powder into bowl. Add wet ingredients till desired consistency. Add dry ingredients. This favorite little dip will delight your taste buds with this exquisite, nutty spice flavor. Veggie sticks never tasted better. High in essential oils. Prepare just before the meal to insure the integrity of the delicate oils.

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Nutty Honey Mustard
Serves 2

1/4 raw almonds
2 tsp. mustard
1 Tbs. honey
pinch of cumin
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 lemon, juiced
2 tsp. Good Tasting Yeast
pinch of sea salt

Blend almonds in coffee grinder, a small amount at a time. Pour powder into bowl. Add wet ingredients till desired constancy. Add dry ingredients. The traditional flavors of mustard and honey blended with the nutty oils of almonds with a hint of garlic and the life of lemon juice overwhelms the senses. Smashing ungodly cravings, causing them to flee in terror in the light of this overwhelming and all encompassing orchestration of delight.
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Frozen NutSicle

1 cup water
1 banana
51 almonds
6 dates
1/2 cup raisins
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 cup Sucanat
or 1/4honey

Add all dry ingredients and a half cup of water. Blend at high speed for 5 minutes. Add rest of water and banana. Blend one more minute. Pour into Popsicle mold and freeze. These nutsicles are the ultimate in kid control.

The kids will clean their room, vacuum the entire house and do all their homework just for one of these treats. This can also be used as a chilled pudding. Slice banana on top and freeze one hour. Stand guard in front of freezer until ready.