Caramelized Ginger and Almond Snack Mix
Package up this snack mix for a delicious gift for friends and family
3/4 cup (175 mL) sugar
1 tablespoon (15 mL) lemon juice
1 tablespoon (15 mL) fresh ginger, finely minced
1/2 teaspoon (2 mL) salt
3 cups (750 mL) whole natural almonds, lightly toasted
1/2 cup (125 mL) unsalted sunflower seeds
1 tablespoon (15 mL) unsalted butter
1 cup (250 mL) dried banana chips
3/4 cup (175 mL) dehydrated strawberries
Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper; lightly grease the paper and set aside. In a saucepan, combine sugar with just enough water to moisten. Cook over medium heat until mixture comes to a slow boil and registers at 240ºF (115ºC) on a candy thermometer.* Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice, ginger, salt, almonds and sunflower seeds. Return to heat and cook, stirring continuously, until sugar becomes shiny and caramelizes, about three minutes. Stir in butter. Spread mixture on a sheet pan to cool. Once cool, break nut mixture into pieces and combine with banana chips and dehydrated strawberries.
*To test for this stage without a candy thermometer, drop a small amount of the sugar into cold water, being careful not to touch the hot sugar. Once in cold water, the sugar should be firm enough that it comes together to form a soft, pliable ball between the fingers.
Makes: 5 1/2 cups (1375 mL)
Active prep time: 30 minutes
Start to finish prep time: 35 minutes
Per serving for 22 1/4-cup (50 mL) servings: 170 calories, 11 g total fat (1 g saturated fat, 7 g monounsaturated fat, 2.5 g polyunsaturated fat), 15 g carbohydrate, 5 g protein, 0 mg cholesterol, 2.5 g fibre, 45 mg calcium, 64 mg magnesium, 60 mg sodium, 215 mg potassium, 5.3 mg vitamin E.
















