Spiced Pumpkin Crunch Snack Mix

🥘 Ingredients

• ground cinnamon ¼ tsp
• freshly grated nutmeg or ground nutmeg 0.12 tsp
• ground allspice or ground cloves 0.12 tsp
• cayenne pepper 0.12 tsp
• kosher salt 0.12 tsp
• extra virgin olive oil or for a nonstick pan 1 ½ tsp
• pepitas ¾ cup
• pure maple syrup 1 tbsp
• dried tart cherries 0.33-0.5 cup

1. 1

   Gather: ground cinnamon , freshly grated nutmeg or ground nutmeg , ground allspice or ground cloves , cayenne pepper , kosher salt , extra virgin olive oil or for a nonstick pan , pepitas , pure maple syrup , dried tart cherries .
2. 2

   Line a large plate with parchment paper. Stir the cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, cayenne (if using), and salt together in a small bowl.
3. 3

   Heat a medium frying pan over medium heat for 1 ½ to 2 minutes. Add the oil and heat for 30 seconds , then add the pepitas. Toast for 2 ½ to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they smell toasty and have started to turn golden.
4. 4

   Add the maple syrup and spices. Stir very frequently, about 2 minutes, tossing to coat the pepitas in the sticky mixture.
5. 5

   Immediately transfer to the lined plate and cool for at least 5 minutes. I leave small clusters as is and break apart big clusters with my hands.
6. 6

   Add to a bowl, toss in the chopped dried cherries (use the larger amount for more sweetness), and carefully stir to combine. Taste, adding a pinch of salt as desired.
7. 7

   Label and store in a sealed jar in the pantry for about 2 weeks.