Fall Snack Mix

Happy Fall, Ya'll!

I recently saw this right here and I just had to share it here on Lorinda's Lunch Box Lowdown.

What a sweet side for the lunch box. A side and a treat, all in one. What I love is that like all things trail mix, you mix and match as you please. Don't like it? Leave it out. Have a better idea? Add it in. Mine is a tad bit different than her's, who got the idea here, but she didn't make it exactly the same either.

Here is what I added, no measurements here-

Fall Snack Mix

pretzels

candy corn

semi-sweet chocolate chips

raisins

baby Goldfish

my Sweet and Salty Peanuts

I would love to hear what YOU would add (or take away) from this Fall Snack Mix.

Pumpkin Snack Cake

Fall is so close I can taste it! No really, I can, because I decided I was baking something Pumpkin, even if we aren't technically there!

This recipe is so easy and yet so delicious. You can stick it in a lunch box or have as an after-school snack. It will be a winner either way.

And know that you are serving something with great health benefits!

Pumpkin is low in fat and calories and rich in disease-fighting nutrients such as:

• Alpha-carotene
• Beta-carotene
• Fiber
• Vitamins C and E
• Potassium
• Magnesium
• Pantothenic acid

Make sure to use dark chocolate, to add even more health benefits.

Pumpkin Snack Cake

1 box of Spice Cake Mix

1 15 oz. can of pumpkin

1 cup dark chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350. In large mixing bowl add Spice Cake mix and add can of pumpkin. Stir until well incorporated. Add chocolate chips and stir. Spray a 9 X 9 pan with nonstick cooking spray. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.

Sides: Berry Nutty Chocolate Bites

Almonds are good for your brain, your cholesterol, your heart, your blood pressure, and your skin. Because of the manganese, copper and Riboflavin in almonds, they also can give you a boost of energy. And that's just one of the healthy ingredients in this treat.

This recipe calls for toasted almonds (almonds are at their tastiest when toasted). Simply put almonds on a shallow pan in a 350 degree oven for about 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Berry Nutty Chocolate Bites

• 6 oz. dark chocolate
• 1 cup dried berries (I used a mix of cherries, blueberries and cranberries)
• 1 cup toasted almonds (slivered almonds are what's picture, but sliced works beautifully)

Melt chocolate in microwave for 30 seconds, adding 15 seconds at a time until just barely melted. When melted, add berries and almonds and mix. Place tablespoon sized peices on wax paper or parchment paper. Place in freezer until hardened. (this only taked about 15 minutes) Store in airtight container in fridge.

Chocolate & Strawberry Roll-Ups

Another favorite lunch box item from my home are these Chocolate & Strawberry Roll-Ups. Of course that's not surprising in the least, right? Who would turn their nose up at strawberries and chocolate?! I make 2 of Roll-Ups per person, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then wrap them together in foil.

Chocolate & Strawberry Roll-Ups

serves 1

• 2 fajita sized tortilla (I use La Banderita's wheat tortillas)
• 2 T. cream cheese (regular or strawberry)
• 2 t. mini chocolate chips
• 2 strawberry

Spread 1 tablespoon cream cheese on each tortilla. Add a sliced strawberry per tortilla and then sprinkle mini chocolate chips on each. Roll up, wrap up and pack up. And if you can't resist making an extra for yourself to eat for breakfast, know that you are not alone.

Sides: Creamy Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cups

This is a little cup of goodness that fits with any lunch. Is it a dessert or a healthy side? You decide.

I have two different brands of mini containers I use with lids that have good tight seals, they are both just 4 oz. and one is made by Reynolds and the other is made by Rubbermaid. They both work perfectly for this. Glad has similar containers that are the 'can be disposable, can be reused' type that do not seal well enough for me to trust with this.

 (but I do use them for dry things like pretzels, nuts, etc)

Creamy Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cups

• 2-3 strawberries, depending on size
• 1 T. vanilla yogurt, I used Danon's light & fit
• 1/2 tsp mini chocolate chips