Nut Seed Clusters

Nut/ Seed Clusters

2 cups of nuts: almonds, pecans, walnuts (can mix and match), organic, unsalted, or raw (soak overnight for 12 hours. Toss water). The pecans and walnuts can be soaked less (2 hours) but the almonds need the longer time.

1 cup pumpkin seeds, and 1 cup sunflower seeds: Soak 2 hours; toss the water.

1 cup coconut—shaved, organic, unsweetened

2 cups dried fruit: (raisins, cranberries, cherries, diced apricots, diced apples (unsulfured, ORGANIC. ) Vegetables would also work. Cut up small pieces of zuchinni, etc. Carrots are a bit too hard unless dehydrated first.

2 cups of canned pumpkin. In season pureed raw pumpkin or yams work, also.

1 cup of maple syrup or agave. (Can use less to taste, depending on the dried fruit you chose.)

1 tsp --sea salt, if desired

5 tsp --pumpkin pie spice, if desired

Put all the seeds, nuts, and fruit in a big bowl. Pour the rest of the ingredients over it and mix with your clean hands. Think good thoughts over the food.

Spread contents over Teflon sheets or parchment paper on the dehydrator trays

Dehydrate at 107 degrees for a few hours. Slip the sheets out and continue drying the clusters on the grid only for another 12 hours / or until they have the crunch you prefer. Clusters will store in sealed containers for several months or in the refrigerator for longer.

If you do not own a dehydrator, you can make these clusters in the oven at the lowest possible setting. Time will then vary. I suggest you buy a dehydrator. Excalibur is a good brand and has the thermostat you need. I do order from them and get a discount if you are interested.