Almost Healthy Trail Mix

This is the third or fourth time I’ve made a batch of this trail mix, and I have yet to meet a person who doesn’t love it. This is adapted from a recipe courtesy of the fabulous Paula Deen. It’s… sort of healthy. You start with granola, nuts, wheat germ, cinnamon. The good stuff.

Then you go and ruin its virtue by adding a small bit of oil and nearly a can of sweetened condensed milk.

But it’s totally worth it. Besides – it has wheat germ. It HAS to be good for you, right?

Almost Healthy Trail Mix
2 C. granola
1 C. + chopped nuts (I prefer slivered almonds, but pecans or walnuts would work great, too. Add more if you love ‘em)
1/2 t. almond extract
1 t. ground cinnamon
1 t. salt
1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
1/4 C. vegetable oil
2 C. dried fruit of your choice

Preheat oven to 300 degrees. In a large bowl, add granola, wheat germ, nuts, extract, cinnamon, salt and oil. Add in about 1/2 can of sweetened condensed milk and stir. Continue to add milk until the mixture is thoroughly coated. (While the original recipe calls for a whole can, I find that the mix comes out too wet this way. I generally us 2/3 to 3/4 of a can, so use your judgement). Spread on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil (I LOVE Reynolds non-stick wrap, FYI). Bake 45 minutes, stirring every 10-15 minutes. Mixture should come out chewy, but not wet, and will begin to brown, but of course not burn.

Let cool for five minutes, then stir in fruit. Cool completely, and store in an airtight container at room temperature.

Enjoy!