Honey Nut Cluster & Sweet Potato Chip Snack Mix {paleo}

Homemade party mix – the common thread of all summer picnics, holiday parties, and road trips. My mom’s rendition of this classic is one forever etched in my mind, and on my tastebuds. She didn’t hold the recipe hostage, giving it out to those who requested, but theirs never tasted quite the same. Maybe it was her roasting technique, the nuts perfectly crunchy and the cereal always golden brown. Or a heavy hand when it came to adding the salt and Worcestershire. Or the fact that she always used Chex & Crispix, never the store brand because “they just weren’t the same.” Smart woman.

And my favorite part? The high nut to cereal/pretzel/bagel chip ratio, specifically cashews. They brought natural sweetness to the savory party.

With a hankering for something similar, yet more whole foods & nutrient-dense based, I went to work developing my own, which came to be this Honey Nut Cluster & Sweet Potato Chip Snack Mix (that just so happens to be paleo too).

I envisioned something salty and a little bit sweet, with different textures, yet grain-free. Nut clusters reminiscent of chunky granola came to mind, and coconut oil sweet potato chips (so.so.good.) were a must.

After several iterations, I landed on this blissful combination. Getting the nut and seed clusters to clump together without being too sticky was the tough part, although I didn’t mind eating the “not good enough” batches. Give me a blend of flaked coconut, cashews, pepitas, and chia seeds anytime….

Roasted with coconut oil and a touch of honey, then tossed with dried berries and sweet potato chips, I have to say this healthy mix is hard to resist. We’re talking good fat and protein from the coconut, cashews, and seeds, plus the antioxidant powers of the fruit. And after learning that my body needs carbohydrates more than I thought, the sweet potato chips are irreplaceable.

Many of you know that part of why I write this blog is to share the real stories behind real food. I found Jackson’s Honest Chips while going through my autoimmune issues, as it was one of the only minimally processed, packaged food i could find. Scott & Megan started the company as a result of trying to improve the quality of life for their son, who was born with a very tough, undiagnosed medical condition, through nutrition. They embraced a philosophy of eating simple; to eat nutrient dense foods as close to their original state (that is, unprocessed) as possible, fermented foods that are more easily bio-absorbed, and ‘good’ fats. On a whim they started making their own potato chips fried in coconut oil, as they were frustrated by all the others on the shelf cooked in highly processed vegetable oils. They couldn’t believe the difference in flavor – rich, deep, and aromatic. And with my first taste, I was in love too, another reason I am so excited to partner with them for the remainder of the year.

At every step of the production process they do what’s right for the consumer, farmers, environment, and their employees. Their products come from the field, the farmer, and the fryer…to you.

After the success of the potato chips, they began making sweet potato chips and recently launched organic tortilla chips, also fried in coconut oil. They’re all incredibly delicious, and if you haven’t tried them yet, I highly suggest getting your hands on some.

I’m off to a Saint Paul Saints game on this glorious summer night, and I’d be lying if I said a bag of this mix wasn’t tucked into my purse. But whether you’re traveling, barbecuing or need an afternoon energy boost, enjoy this feel-good, taste-good mix.

Honey Nut Cluster & Sweet Potato Chip Snack Mix {paleo}

1 1/3 cups (190 grams) raw, unsalted cashews (make sure to use whole, high quality ones like these from Now Real Foods)
3/4 cup (90 grams) raw, unsalted pepita seeds
1 cup (40 grams) unsweetened coconut flakes
1 1/2 tablespoons chia seeds
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
2 tablespoons melted, unrefined coconut oil
1 tablespoon + 2 teaspoons raw honey
1/2 cup dried mixed berries (I used blueberries & cherries)
3/4 bag Jackson’s Honest Sweet Potato Chips

Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Add cashews, pepita seeds and coconut flakes to a food processor. Pulse 8 times to slightly break up the pieces, then dump into a bowl. Add chia seeds, salt and cinnamon. In a separate bowl stir together coconut oil and honey, then add to nut/seed mixture. Stir to coat completely and empty onto a silpat lined baking sheet. (If you do not have one of these, rub a piece of parchment paper with coconut oil and line your baking sheet.)

Roast for 10 minutes, stir, then roast another 7-8 minutes, until coconut flakes and cashews are golden brown. Remove from oven and very lightly stir in berries. You want the mixture to be in one large heap so that as it cools, it sticks together.

Let cool completely, then lightly break up the nut mixture so you have clusters. Mix with the sweet potato chips and enjoy. Store in a glass jar or plastic ziploc bag, with all air pressed out, and keep in a cool spot. (If it gets too warm, the honey will start to become sticky.)