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You are here: Home / Reflections / Sweet, Salty & Satisfying Pumpkin Cranberry Trail Mix

Sweet, Salty & Satisfying Pumpkin Cranberry Trail Mix

October 21, 2015 by Meghan 40 Comments

It’s about that time of year where I need to eat a little crow.

Pumpkin Cranberry Trail Mix. A sweet, salty and satisfying combo to titillate your taste buds.

Not the actual bird of course; that’d be gross. Besides my furry friends, also known as felines, handle that aspect of life for me. They hunt, they kill, they behead some things, and then the Hubby cleans it all up. They may as well be Paleo, except for Max of course, who always had a thing for grains. No surprise really; he took after his human mama. We love those things.  

So I’m not sure how I got onto diets, cats or crows, but that certainly wasn’t my intent. My bad. 

Instead, I’m here today with my tail tucked between my legs (proverbial of course), my head bowed low and my pride stuck somewhere deep in my throat.

I come today bearing a pumpkin recipe.

Pumpkin Cranberry Trail Mix. A sweet, salty and satisfying combo to titillate your taste buds.

Oh, the horror.

The anti-squash Queen has jumped ship, spiraled down into the abyss, through Alice’s looking glass without the benefit of magic mushrooms, and entered the dark side; the pumpkin side.  

To be clear, I still don’t think pumpkin is the cats pajamas, nor will I ever understand the fuss.

What I do know though is I have few stashed in cool dark corner of my basement, thanks to my beloved CSA through Geauga Family Farms. Eventually, I will get around to doing something with those same pumpkins, after of course I tackle the potatoes, the acorns, the spaghetti and the butternut. Now if that something pumpkin turns out to be any good, I’ll probably share it on the blog. In the meantime, I’m not holding my breath.

Pumpkin Cranberry Trail Mix. A sweet, salty and satisfying combo to titillate your taste buds.

I also know while the pumpkin flesh is kind of meh, the seeds are fantastic. Those bad boys are nutritional powerhouses and should be given a medal or at least used in a recipe, so you can house all that goodness.   

I’m going to steal a page from Lindsay’s book and share some Benefits of Pumpkin Seeds because they really are rock stars in their own right, and I’d happily give them two snaps and a twirl.

  • While high in calories, pumpkin seeds are a great source of plant-based protein (pounds chest), fats (the healthy kind), and fiber, and we all know fiber is our friend. It’s what keeps us fuller longer, meaning a little goes a long way.
  • Pumpkin seeds are a notable source of potassium, magnesium, iron, and zinc, which helps boost our immune system. Holler for good physical health.
  • They also contain the amino acids tryptophan and glutamate, which assist in regulating depression, stress and anxiety. Bonus points for mental health.
There’s plenty more health benefits, but I’ll stop there so I can give you the actual recipe instead. This is the perfect combination of sweet, salty, satisfying and cinnamon-y; yes I’m making up words now. One bite of this and you’ll forgive my lascivious word ways. You’ll also understand why I finally went pumpkin.
 
Pumpkin Cranberry Trail Mix. A sweet, salty and satisfying combo to titillate your taste buds.
 
Sweet, Salty & Satisfying Pumpkin Cranberry Trail Mix
2015-10-20 18:21:54
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Prep Time
5 min
Cook Time
35 min
Total Time
40 min
Prep Time
5 min
Cook Time
35 min
Total Time
40 min
Ingredients
  1. 1 cup raw Pumpkin Seeds
  2. 1 1/2 tsp. Olive Oil
  3. 2 Tbsp. pure Maple Syrup
  4. 1/2 tsp. Cinnamon
  5. 1/2 tsp. Nutmeg
  6. 1/4 tsp. Salt
  7. 1/8 tsp. Allspice
  8. 1 1/4 cups dried Cranberries
Instructions
  1. Preheat the oven to 300 degrees.
  2. In a small mixing bowl, mix 1 cup of raw pumpkin seeds with 1 1/2 teaspoons of olive oil. After mixing, spread them on a cookie sheet (no need to grease this one) and then bake them for 20 minutes until almost dry.
  3. Remove the seeds from the oven and put them back in the small mixing bowl. Add the following: 2 Tablespoons pure maple syrup, 1/2 teaspoon each of ground cinnamon and nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt and 1/8 teaspoon of ground allspice. Mix it all together.
  4. After mixing, spread it back out on the baking sheet , where it goes back into the oven for another 15 minutes. Stir the pumpkin seeds at least once to prevent burning. After 15 minutes, or when completely dry, remove from the oven and let cool for at least 30 minutes before adding 1 and 1/4 cup of dried cranberries.
Adapted from Total Beauty
Adapted from Total Beauty
Clean Eats, Fast Feets http://cleaneatsfastfeets.com/
Pumpkin Cranberry Trail Mix. A sweet, salty and satisfying combo to titillate your taste buds.  
#Pumpkin #Cranberry #TrailMix: the perfect sweet, salty and satisfying #snack.

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Do pumpkin seeds (pepitas) really count as a pumpkin recipe? Should I turn in my anti-pumpkin badge and letter of resignation now? Is it possible I’m being overtly dramatic? (Never!)

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Comments

  1. Kirsten says

    October 21, 2015 at 7:16 AM

    Meghan,
    We really ought to be sister wives along with my friend Debbie who loves to clean and straighten and organize more than she loves to cook. I’ll deal with the pumpkin flesh, you may have all the seeds. I find them meh.

    Looks delicious–despite all the pumpkin seeds!
    Kirsten recently posted…Rambutan Eyeballs–How to Make Real Food Halloween TreatsMy Profile

    Reply
    • Meghan says

      October 21, 2015 at 7:16 PM

      Sister wives it is then. I’m in.
      Meghan recently posted…Sweet, Salty & Satisfying Pumpkin Cranberry Trail MixMy Profile

      Reply
  2. brynn says

    October 21, 2015 at 7:20 AM

    This is fall in a bowl! Sounds so delicious. I love the addition of maple syrup!
    brynn recently posted…WIAW: Recent FavoritesMy Profile

    Reply
    • Meghan says

      October 21, 2015 at 7:17 PM

      Maple syrup makes everything better.
      Meghan recently posted…Sweet, Salty & Satisfying Pumpkin Cranberry Trail MixMy Profile

      Reply
  3. Michele @ paleorunningmomma says

    October 21, 2015 at 8:18 AM

    I love pumpkin seeds, love cranberries, in fact I have a huge container of them within feet of me right now. Recipe has my name on it!
    Michele @ paleorunningmomma recently posted…WIAW Weekend: Long Run, Blogger Meetup & FoodMy Profile

    Reply
    • Meghan says

      October 21, 2015 at 7:18 PM

      It does have your name on it then, especially if you’re already eating some variation of it. Pumpkin seeds and cranberries is a great combination.
      Meghan recently posted…Sweet, Salty & Satisfying Pumpkin Cranberry Trail MixMy Profile

      Reply
  4. Lilly says

    October 21, 2015 at 8:29 AM

    Okay so I literally just put in my wiaw post that I’m not a huge trail mix fan. This could be the end to that… Thanks for jumping over to the dark side for us!

    Reply
    • Meghan says

      October 21, 2015 at 7:19 PM

      I read your WIAW post and the bit about the trail mix and just had to laugh. Irony, huh?!
      Meghan recently posted…Sweet, Salty & Satisfying Pumpkin Cranberry Trail MixMy Profile

      Reply
  5. Fran@BCDC says

    October 21, 2015 at 9:04 AM

    This looks SO good! Love it!!
    Fran@BCDC recently posted…WIAW~ October 21, 2015My Profile

    Reply
    • Meghan says

      October 21, 2015 at 7:19 PM

      Thanks Fran!
      Meghan recently posted…Sweet, Salty & Satisfying Pumpkin Cranberry Trail MixMy Profile

      Reply
  6. Suzy says

    October 21, 2015 at 9:24 AM

    Oh, the drama. Ha ha ha! Love it. And I looove pumpkin seeds. Those were the best part of carving pumpkins! And the mess of course. I love squishing my fingers in all the goo.
    Suzy recently posted…Woozy Wednesday: Pucker UpMy Profile

    Reply
    • Meghan says

      October 21, 2015 at 7:20 PM

      You can come clean out my pumpkins. You’re welcome to all the squishy goo. 🙂
      Meghan recently posted…Sweet, Salty & Satisfying Pumpkin Cranberry Trail MixMy Profile

      Reply
  7. Torry @ A World Without Wheat says

    October 21, 2015 at 10:19 AM

    wow this looks amazing – I am a lover of pumpkin so anything with it in it is game for me!
    Torry @ A World Without Wheat recently posted…WIAW #1My Profile

    Reply
    • Meghan says

      October 21, 2015 at 7:21 PM

      Glad to here it Torry and I hope you try the recipe.
      Meghan recently posted…Sweet, Salty & Satisfying Pumpkin Cranberry Trail MixMy Profile

      Reply
  8. Amanda @ .running with spoons. says

    October 21, 2015 at 10:50 AM

    Even before reading the questions at the end of your post, I was going to say that pumpkin seeds don’t -really- count as a pumpkin recipe, so I think you’re still safe in that regard 😛 And I’m seriously loving all the ingredients in this trail mix. Pumpkin seeds and cranberries are an awesome combo, and the only thing that would make this better is the addition of chocolate chips, imho.
    Amanda @ .running with spoons. recently posted…. 14 must-try healthy and comforting muffin recipes .My Profile

    Reply
    • Meghan says

      October 21, 2015 at 7:22 PM

      Whew, I was hoping pumpkin seeds didn’t count. Glad to know you feel the same.

      Chocolate chips would be a fantastic addition!
      Meghan recently posted…Sweet, Salty & Satisfying Pumpkin Cranberry Trail MixMy Profile

      Reply
  9. Tara says

    October 21, 2015 at 11:04 AM

    Ooh, I love me some pumpkin seeds and this looks like fall in a bowl! Glad to see you’re turning over to the dark side. I actually don’t really like pumpkin itself at all, but I am truly basic in my pumpkin spice addiction. I try to downplay it like it’s only about coffee and beer…but really, I’ll give anything pumpkin spice a shot. Too bad I don’t like actual pumpkin, which has, ya know, actual health benefits.

    Reply
    • Meghan says

      October 21, 2015 at 7:23 PM

      Mmm pumpkin beer. I’d totally try that. Surely, it has health benefits too: hops, barley. 😉
      Meghan recently posted…Sweet, Salty & Satisfying Pumpkin Cranberry Trail MixMy Profile

      Reply
  10. Danielle says

    October 21, 2015 at 11:57 AM

    What no pumpkin seed latte? Heehee sorry being naughty. I’ll try not to poke the bear, or kitty.

    If you didn’t guess or know or assume, I LOVE PEPITAS!!! There I feel better. I want to eat this now, it would go great on salad, as a casserole topper, on yogurt, ice cream… It’s endless. So much love <3
    Danielle recently posted…Week in Review: Recovery, Happy Thoughts, and ShenanigansMy Profile

    Reply
    • Meghan says

      October 21, 2015 at 7:24 PM

      Yes, this would be amazing in salads or even soup. I can see it now.
      Meghan recently posted…Sweet, Salty & Satisfying Pumpkin Cranberry Trail MixMy Profile

      Reply
  11. Rachael @ Catch Me if You Can says

    October 21, 2015 at 12:29 PM

    this looks really good! think i will have to give it a try for a good work snack!

    Reply
    • Meghan says

      October 21, 2015 at 7:24 PM

      It is perfect snack. If you make it, please let me know what you think. I love to hear feedback.
      Meghan recently posted…Sweet, Salty & Satisfying Pumpkin Cranberry Trail MixMy Profile

      Reply
  12. lindsay Cotter says

    October 21, 2015 at 5:07 PM

    i love it when you talk crow! I mean diets. I mean seeds. I mean … I love you!
    😉

    Satisfying indeed. Sharing
    lindsay Cotter recently posted…Grain Free Hot Chocolate Brownies – 2 Ways!My Profile

    Reply
    • Meghan says

      October 21, 2015 at 7:25 PM

      It’s all mutual Baby!
      Meghan recently posted…Sweet, Salty & Satisfying Pumpkin Cranberry Trail MixMy Profile

      Reply
  13. rachel @ athletic avocado says

    October 21, 2015 at 5:10 PM

    i love pumpkin seeds and I’ve been all about that sweet and salty combo lately! this would fill my cravings perfectly!
    rachel @ athletic avocado recently posted…Pumpkin Spice Sticky Bun Fudge {Paleo + Vegan!}My Profile

    Reply
    • Meghan says

      October 21, 2015 at 7:25 PM

      It’s a great sweet and salty combo. One of my favorites lately, right next to Raspberries and Cheez Its.
      Meghan recently posted…Sweet, Salty & Satisfying Pumpkin Cranberry Trail MixMy Profile

      Reply
  14. Frugal Foodie Frank says

    October 21, 2015 at 5:56 PM

    The seeds totally count!!! See, I knew it wouldn’t be long before we lured you to the dark side 🙂
    Frugal Foodie Frank recently posted…WIAW: All TAlkMy Profile

    Reply
    • Meghan says

      October 21, 2015 at 7:26 PM

      For shame, the seeds don’t count. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.
      Meghan recently posted…Sweet, Salty & Satisfying Pumpkin Cranberry Trail MixMy Profile

      Reply
  15. Brittany says

    October 21, 2015 at 6:39 PM

    I KNEW there was more to that Alice in Wonderland mural….This seriously looks so good. I love, LOVE pumpkin seeds and I eat them almost daily because they sit well in my gut. Well done my anti-pumpkin friend.
    Brittany recently posted…Fall FoMo No MoreMy Profile

    Reply
    • Meghan says

      October 21, 2015 at 7:27 PM

      Dammit, too bad I didn’t have this around when you were in town. You would have loved it.

      Alice in Wonderland is all about the shenanigans. I’m pretty sure the entire thing was a giant hallucination.
      Meghan recently posted…Sweet, Salty & Satisfying Pumpkin Cranberry Trail MixMy Profile

      Reply
  16. Amanda @ Diary of a Semi-Health Nut says

    October 21, 2015 at 10:27 PM

    so I keep trying to like pumpkin seeds…but I just can’t.

    Also I definitely giggled when I saw you had a pumpkin recipe!! 😉 <3 #pumpkinweek2015 #ftw
    Amanda @ Diary of a Semi-Health Nut recently posted…Pumpkin Biscotti Cookies with Dark Chocolate DrizzleMy Profile

    Reply
    • Meghan says

      October 22, 2015 at 5:57 AM

      After I published this, I thought, Oh man, I could have joined Amanda’s pumpkin week, and then I realized since I mocked it the majority of the post, that might not have gone over so well. Oops, although I fully intend to try that bread you shared on IG yesterday when I do get around to roasting my pumpkins. It looked phenomenal.

      Reply
  17. Jen @ Chase the Red Grape says

    October 22, 2015 at 12:32 AM

    Now this is my kind of trail mix! I love pumpkin seeds, especially scattered in my soup – amazing flavour.
    I don’t think you have turned to the dark side at all – seeds don’t count 😛 And to be fair, when you do eventually use those pumpkins in your basement you will already be way ahead as your actually using it in season and fresh (rather than from a tin!). Fresh = seasonal, tinned is not! (sorry… rant over…haha)
    Jen @ Chase the Red Grape recently posted…5 Top Tips on a Tuesday – How to let veggies shine!My Profile

    Reply
    • Meghan says

      October 22, 2015 at 5:59 AM

      That is true. Last year (or was it two years ago now), when I made pumpkin pie, I used the real deal for my puree: roasted it, toasted it, scooped it. Start to finish it was all pumpkin.

      Yes! Seeds don’t count. Glad to see you’re in agreement. I’m in the clear. 🙂

      Reply
  18. Juli @1000lovelythings says

    October 22, 2015 at 7:18 AM

    First I though OH MY GOD (in that nasty Janice from Friends voice) the dark side of the force has gotten their orange hands on Meg! But to be honest that doesn’t count! You certainly haven’t compromised yourself.

    But I love the sound of it and I am goint to make this hopefully on Sunday. I think this trail mix would be very nice sprinkled over some cinnamony oatmeal. And I am making up words all the time. In both languages!
    Juli @1000lovelythings recently posted…Being CreativeMy Profile

    Reply
    • Meghan says

      October 24, 2015 at 6:49 AM

      Bilingual work make upper. I love it. Rock on with yo’ bad self.

      P.S. I can’t wait to hear what you think.
      Meghan recently posted…Currently: October 2015My Profile

      Reply
  19. Arman @ thebigmansworld says

    November 3, 2015 at 9:38 AM

    Totally doesn’t count as a recipe 😉 Although I’m glad you didn’t include cilantro in this. These tasted amazing people- I would wear a pumpkin gown for them!
    Arman @ thebigmansworld recently posted…No Bake Pralines and Cream Protein BarsMy Profile

    Reply
    • Meghan says

      November 5, 2015 at 6:02 AM

      I even reduced the All Spice in these based on how much you love that flavor. 🙂
      Meghan recently posted…Blueberry and Cream Cheese Buns (In The Oven)My Profile

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. . link love 10/25 . - . running with spoons . says:
    October 25, 2015 at 7:32 AM

    […] Sweet and Salty Pumpkin Cranberry Trail Mix via Clean Eats, Fast Feets. Such a perfect flavour combination for fall, with that sweet saltiness that we all love. […]

    Reply
  2. Super Simple Double Chocolate Coconut Dessert Granola - Clean Eats, Fast Feets says:
    October 30, 2015 at 7:30 AM

    […] wasn’t all in vain though, since I gave you a Hearty Vegetable Soup with Roasted Tomatoes, a Sweet & Salty Pumpkin Cranberry Trail Mix, and Apple Pie Pancakes with Warm Maple Syrup, pretending of course apples are […]

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I’m Meghan, CEO of City Hippie granola, a food blogger, and fit(ish) momma of a toddler keeping it real in Cleveland. Coffee is my higher power, followed by veggies and cheese or cheese and veggies or veggies with cheese.

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