Written by Marcie Droll-Durian

After much rain and more cloudy days then I can count, the one thing that puts me in the mood for the change of the season (and helps me think of brighter days), is the family time that Fall brings such as Halloween and Thanksgiving!

Growing up in a family that has many traditions and still has generations gather for holidays, it makes me start thinking of the many recipes that I love.  When my Grandma was living, we could count on her homemade noodles with mashed potatoes and plenty of pies, such as pumpkin, apple, and peach.   My Aunt Susan has made her Cherry Delight Dessert since I have been a little girl, as well as my Mom, who can make the best tasting pumpkin bread, that is never dry, and always baked to perfection with no doughy middle or hardtop like mine seems to turn out  occasionally!  I also have the fondest memories of my Mother-in-Law, and the smell of warm apple cider as we stepped into the big ole farmhouse that she raised her 8 children in, and she decorated so much of that big house for Christmas, that often it would be partially done when we celebrated Thanksgiving.

As I have raised my own daughter, I have tried to start my own traditions and recipes that I hope she will carry on as she grows.  One of my favorites that can be carried throughout any holiday is candied nut trail mix!  You can add whatever you want for the season in terms of colors to make it look festive! Please enjoy this recipe, and share with your family this holiday season!

Candied Nut Trail Mix

• 1 Can of mixed nuts (I use larger party size one for my gatherings)
• 1 Egg white from a large egg, whisked to frothy
• 1 Tablespoon of water
• ½ C Granulated sugar
• ¼ C brown sugar
• 2 Teaspoons of cinnamon

Heat oven to 300F.  Line baking sheet with parchment paper

In large bowl, add nuts and set aside

In small bowl, add egg white and water and whisk vigorously until frothy

Pour over nuts and stir to coat

Add other ingredients and stir very well to coat evenly

Bake on prepared baking sheet for 25 minutes, tossing midway through.  Do not overbake.  I leave mine sitting on stove for 4-6 hours (or overnight) to allow coating to become firm.

Now the fun begins!  You can add seasonal plain or peanut M&M’s Candy, Candy Corn, dried fruit, or I have even added pretzels, or Goldfish crackers.  I do it different every time!

It’s simply all about the fun of baking with your family and sharing!  This is a crowd pleaser, so often it is expected as I travel and host my own family!  No matter what, enjoy your holidays and treasure your family this Fall season!

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