Monday, March 21, 2011

GORP Trail Mix…

37 degrees outside - 10:38 am - cold, foggy and overcast...

Have you ever heard of GORP?  It is an acronym for “Good Old Raisins and Peanuts” or “Granola, Oats, Raisins and Peanuts”.  Either way, it’s a delicious, healthy trail mix snack that my two picky little eaters love! 

GORP is most commonly a mix of peanuts, raisins and chocolate candies (but you can really make it out of anything).  These three flavors are mixed in a bag or bowl to create an ideal salty/sweet flavor that is popular with adults and kids!  In addition to the great taste, it also packs a nutritional punch.  The dried fruit and granola provide a quick carbohydrate boost while the unsaturated fats in the nuts provide protein to sustain energy.  The chocolate provides a nice flavor and just a touch of sugar.

Having two picky little eaters, I am always on the lookout for healthy, nutritious and delicious snacks that they will actually eat.  When I came across this snack, that was a huge hit with our kids, I wanted to share it…


GORP (Granola, Oats, Raisins & Peanuts Trail Mix) -

There is no real formula for GORP, the idea being that trail mix can be a mix of almost any dried fruit, grain and nut.  Select one or two of your favorite ingredients in each category (or add a favorite of your own that is not on the list):
    -  Dried Fruit:  Raisins, Craisins, Dried Cherries, Dried Apricots, Dried Pineapple (cut into small squares)  
    -  Nuts:  Almonds, Pecan Pieces, Walnuts, Shelled Pistachios, Peanuts, Cashews
    -  Chocolate:  M&M’s, Chocolate Chips
    -  Grains:  Granola, Oat Cereal
    -  Other:  Shredded Coconut

Banana Chips, Cherrios, Craisins, Dried Blueberries, M&M's,
 Peanuts, Raisins and Teddy Grahams. 
Hope you like GORP as much as we do! --- Enjoy!