Trail Mix and Raw Milk Hot Cocoa
Well since Old Man Winter came back with a vengeance last night, I figured I would honor him by posting about one of my favorite winter activities, snowshoeing. I thought this post was going to have to wait until next winter, as we had a definite hearkening of spring this past week. But last night we got hit with the biggest storm of the year by far, with at least 2 feet – and it is still coming down!
Roberto and I discovered snowshoeing last year, and this winter we decided to get our own snowshoes. This morning they came in handy when we had to go out to collect firewood in 4 foot snow drifts, and are very practical when living in a climate such as ours, just to survive and do chores around the house. But they are also a great source of fun for us during the long winter months.
(If this picture looks familiar it is because you have likely seen it before, but usually it is bare feet and there is sand instead of snow!)
Snowshoes and cross-country skiing are pretty big sports in Vermont and much like when I lived in Norway, people make a day of going on an adventure. There is nothing like being out in the woods following deer trails or making your own path through the forest. It is not only great exercise, especially towards the latter part of the season, when even with snowshoes on, you sink to about knee high, but it is also breathtakingly gorgeous. The views are all for you, you feel like you are alone in the world, and it is so quiet you can almost hear the snow fall. My favorite time to be out snowshoeing is in the middle of a storm – when you feel very much like you are walking in one of Mother Nature’s snow globes. I always picture it on one of her shelves with the words “walking in a winter wonderland” on it.
Since snowshoeing does take a lot of energy, we always make sure to bring nourishing snacks with us. We usually find a beautiful spot to stop and have a nice snack. Our staple snack is always homemade trail mix. We usually also have a nice bar of dark, fair trade chocolate and sometimes a Tanka Bar. But the trail mix is a must. It is a nice hearty combination of dried fruits and soaked nuts.
In Norway, when I used to go ut på tur, or out on a walk – which in the winter meant cross-country skiing, we always brought a nice thermos of something hot to enjoy on our break. So I carried the tradition to our snowshoeing tur here in Vermont. Usually I bring raw milk cocoa, and sometimes I bring a lovely thermos of spicy tea. I learned to make raw milk cocoa from some friends in New Hampshire. It is a revelation in its simplicity. I don’t even feel the need to sweeten it because raw milk is already sweeter than pasteurized milk. So this makes it a definite “health drink” as opposed to a splurge. Regardless, the break and the snack help to re-fuel us for the journey back home.
But trail mix really is good for any time of year. It is a well-balanced snack and definitely keeps you going. So even if it is already spring where you are – make up a batch today and enjoy on the go!
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Trail Mix
INGREDIENTS:
1 cup raw soaked and dried organic almonds
1 cup raw soaked and dried organic cashews
½ cup of raw soaked and dried pepitas
½ cup dried (organic, no sugar added, un-sulfured) blueberries
½ cup dried (organic, no sugar added, un-sulfured) cherries
¼ cup dried (organic, no sugar added, un-sulfured) Turkish apricots
*You could also add dark chocolate or carob chips, or other fried fruits as suits your palate
METHOD:
Here is a great link for the whys and hows of soaking and drying nuts. You can also chose not to soak them. Mix all ingredients together.
Raw Milk Cocoa
For each serving:
INGREDIENTS:
8 oz raw milk
3 TBS fair trade cocoa powder
Pinch of cinnamon
Maple syrup to sweeten
METHOD:
Heat raw milk in a saucepan for about 3-5 minutes, over medium heat, until hot but not boiling. Stir in cocoa powder and cinnamon. Sweeten with maple.
Rosa - March 7, 2011 at 3:58 pm
I’d love to go out for a walk in such snow. That trail mix must be very energetic and yummy!
Cheers,
Rosa
Kari - March 7, 2011 at 4:25 pm
Great story and recipe! I also make “trail mix” for my skiing adventures. A simple mix I learnt from friends in Maine, but that I take full credit for bringing to Norway: CHORP (chocolate, raisins, peanuts) 🙂
Leah @ Beyer Beware - March 7, 2011 at 7:34 pm
Sounds yummy. I will opt for the pasteurized milk though. Raw milk isn’t worth the risk to me.
Joan Nova - March 7, 2011 at 9:25 pm
I can’t say I’d literally like to be in your shoes (snow ones) but I liked the visuals on this post.
5 Star Foodie - March 7, 2011 at 9:40 pm
Wow, more snow! The hot cocoa sure sounds good, i like the maple syrup addition. And a wonderful trail mix, love all the dried fruits!
ValleyWriter - March 7, 2011 at 10:52 pm
I, too, love to be out in the middle of nature and listen to her sweet song. But I much prefer a warm summer day – and perhaps the feel of sand beneath my feet 😉 Props to you & Roberto for embracing this winter whole-heartedly. It sure has been a true New England winter!
Sara - March 7, 2011 at 11:19 pm
I was reminded of how Vermonters got slammed today–here in Mass it wasn’t so dramatic, but I walked to work thinking I wished I had left my jacket at home, and on my walk home it had dropped to 38!
Interesting about soaking the nuts–I had never heard of that before!
Angela@spinachtiger - March 8, 2011 at 9:19 am
I’ve always wanted to go cross country skiing. I used to be able to go skiing when I lived in Ca. by driving one hour and then leaving snow behind A different world. Your world is a snow commitment, but you have embraced it beautifully. There is a reason trail mix is called “trail” mix, right? Easy to carry, full of energy food. Looks so good.
Arlene (MOM) - March 8, 2011 at 11:10 am
What a great post. Loved the photos and the little mental pictures your narrative evoke. The snacks sound very yummy.
City Share - March 8, 2011 at 5:05 pm
Wow, that’s a lot of snow. I’m glad that you are able to enjoy it with your snow shoes. Those snacks look delicious. I might just take some to work.
kelly - March 9, 2011 at 1:59 pm
Loved this — always enjoy getting a glimpse of what life is like where it snows. Thinking the snow shoes just may be similar to walking in soft sand, maybe? From a workout perspect 🙂 I’ve purchased raw goat’s milk but not cow’s milk. The sweetness sounds lovely. Waiting for your goats and the stories you’ll write about them…
Elle - March 9, 2011 at 5:21 pm
Wow, what a great, energizing snack to take along with you! I’ve never been snowshoeing, and hearing that you sink knee deep in it? Doesn’t make me want to take it up, haha!
Hannah - March 10, 2011 at 11:23 pm
That trail mix looks delicious! Much better than the boring store-bought variety with mostly peanuts, salt and raisins. 🙂
kat - March 14, 2011 at 12:08 pm
I learned to snowshoe for the first time this year too, It was really a fun way to enjoy our winter wonderland