COCONUTTY CRUNCH
2 ounces walnuts
4 ounces pecans
2 ounces almonds (I like sliced)
2 ounces unsweetened coconut, 1/2 cup
2-4 tablespoons flax meal
1-2 ounces unsalted sunflower kernels
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1/3 cup granular Splenda or equivalent liquid Splenda
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
Pinch salt, optional
1 teaspoon cinnamon
Coarsely chop the nuts and put them in a medium bowl. Stir in the coconut, flax meal and sunflower kernels. In a small bowl, mix the butter, sweetener, vanilla and salt. Pour over the nuts and toss to mix well. Spread on a large jelly roll pan and bake at 300º about 10-15 minutes, stirring every few minutes, until lightly toasted. Watch closely so it doesn't burn. Mix in the cinnamon; cool. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Makes about 3 1/2 cups or 13 ounces
Can be frozen
With granular Splenda:
Per 1/4 cup: 182 Calories; 18g Fat; 4g Protein; 5g Carbohydrate; 3g Dietary Fiber; 2g Net Carbs
Per 2 tablespoons: 95 Calories; 9g Fat; 2g Protein; 3g Carbohydrate; 1.5g Dietary Fiber; 1.5g Net Carbs
With liquid Splenda:
Per 1/4 cup: 180 Calories; 18g Fat; 4g Protein; 4g Carbohydrate; 2.5g Dietary Fiber; 1.5g Net Carbs
Per 2 tablespoons: 93 Calories; 9g Fat; 2g Protein; 2g Carbohydrate; 1g Dietary Fiber; 1g Net Carb
I like a little of this mixed into my yogurt. It makes the yogurt a little more filling and satisfying.
MAPLE NUT VARIATION:
Use 1-2 teaspoons maple extract, in place of the vanilla, and increase sweetener slightly to taste. Omit cinnamon. Don't try using more extract or it will become bitter.