I love the holidays! When you’re on a paleo diet it can feel like everyone is having fun without you. They’re snacking on popcorn, eating candied pecans, laughing, drinking, MAKING SUGAR COOKIES… and you’re over there in the corner like the awkward girl in the gym locker room just hoping no one will look at her.

Not any more. I’ve been working on creating more recipes that can easily be brought to parties so you have something to munch on like the AIP snack mix that only went out to my email list. It doesn’t have to be fancy, just something that helps you feel like you’re participating. It’s amazing how a tiny thing like having something to snack on, which normal people totally take for granted, can be so emotionally uplifting to people on restricted diets.

The best part about this particular mix is that it’s enjoyed by both paleo people and gluten-gobblers alike. Grab an 8 oz mason jar, tie a bow with twine, and you’ve got a great stocking stuffer or hostess gift to give to people. The mix keeps for approximately two weeks in an air tight container.

Ingredients:

6 cups of raw nuts

1/2 cup of coconut oil

3 Tablespoons of minced rosemary

3 Tablespoons of minced thyme

2 tablespoons of maple syrup

1 teaspoon of Himalayan pink salt (adjust this to your liking)

Method:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Melt coconut oil in a medium saucepan

Add herbs and simmer until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes (make sure they don’t burn!)

Remove from heat and mix in maple syrup

Add nuts to mixture and stir to coat

Sprinkle with salt

Place in the oven for 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes

Nuts are ready when they are a lovely golden brown and you may need to adjust your baking time to get it