Slow Cooker Winter Trail Mix + Apple Cinnamon Sippers

Winter Trail Mix (Download Recipe Card)

Ingredients...

• 1/2 cup  granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• 1 1/2 tbsp water
• 1/2 tsp vanilla
• 1 1/2 cups pecan halves 
• 1 cup whole almonds
• 2 tsp finely grated orange zest
• 1 1/2 cups sesame sticks or pretzel sticks
• 1 cup dried apricots
• 1 cup dried cherries or cranberries

Method...

1. In a small bowl, combine sugar, melted butter, water and vanilla. Place pecans and almonds in slow cooker ; pour butter mixture over nuts and stir to coat.
2. Cover and cook on HIGH, stirring frequently for 2 to 3 hours or until sugar mixture is golden brown and nuts are toasted. Stir in orange zest; toss to coat and turn out onto parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Set aside to cool.
3. Once nuts have cooled, transfer to a large bowl and add sesame/pretzel sticks, dried apricots and dried cherries/cranberries. Store in a covered container for up to 2 weeks.  Makes 6 cups / 1.5 L

Apple Cinnamon Sippers (Download Recipe Card)

Ingredients...

• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1 tsp whole cloves
• 1 tsp allspice berries
• 6-8 cups apple cider
• 1/4 - 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 orange sliced
• 1 apple, cored and diced
• 1 cup Spiced Rum or brandy, optional

Method...

1. Place cinnamon, cloves and allspice in a spice bag or double thickness of cheesecloth. Tie up and secure with butchers cord to form a pouch.
2. Combine cider and brown sugar in slow cooker, stirring until sugar dissolves. Add spice bag, orange slices and apple quarters. Cover and cook on LOW for 2 to 5 hours or until hot. 
3. Before serving, remove spice bag. Add spiced rum or brandy if using. Serve warm in mugs

Makes 8 cups