Trail Mix Muffins and Homemade Trail Mix

This recipe came in my Cooking Pleasures magazine (Aug/Sept issue) and I thought these would be a good treat for after school. When I made them, I knew for sure that it was a winner. Going camping? Take these along for snacking after a hike or make them with trail mix that doesn't include chocolate (add additional trail mix) and bring them along. My next test is to make these without the butter and substitute low fat Greek yogurt. I always like to try the original recipe first before I start to make changes to see where I can adjust. But I loved the crunch in the moist muffin and that little bit of chocolate was a nice treat. I would say that you could also substitute carob chips. These have serious possibilities to make healthier and even gluten free.

Banana Trail Mix Muffins

1 -3/4 cups all-purpose flour

2/3 cup sugar 2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp baking soda

1 cup mashed bananas (about 2 large)

1/3 cup butter, melted

2 eggs

1 -1/2 cups trail mix

Heat oven to 350 degrees.

Line 14 muffin cups with paper liners.

Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and baking soda in large bowl.

Combine bananas, butter and eggs in medium bowl.

Beat into dry ingredients at medium speed until combined.

Stir in trail mix until well blended. Spoon into muffin cups.

Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. Cool in pans 10 minutes. Remove from pans; cool completely on wire racks.

*************************************************

Homemade Trail Mix

From Sparkpeople.com

Tasty Trail Mix Filling and sweet -- try this good-for-you treat!

INGREDIENTS

Pick one ingredient from each list.

DRIED FRUIT (1 cup chopped)
Raisins
Dried pineapple
Dried apple rings
Pitted prunes
Dried peaches
Dried apricots
Mixed dried fruit
Dried banana chips

CEREAL (1 cup)

Wheat Chex
Rice Chex
Corn Chex
Shredded wheat
Cheerios
KixNUTS & SEEDS (1/2 cup)
Sunflower seeds
Mixed nuts
Peanuts
Cashews
Pecans
Walnuts
Sunflower seeds

OPTIONALS (1/2 cup)
Toasted soybeans
Popcorn
Pretzels
Chocolate Chips
M & M candies
Peanut Butter chips
Butterscotch chips

DIRECTIONS

Mix well and store in an airtight container. Serving size: 1/4 cup