Mixed Nuts with Dried Cranberries or Chocolate Chips (makes about 2 cups)

This recipe was inspired by Trader Joe's Omega Trek Mix which I purchased last summer for a pot luck picnic and had a balance of salty and sweet which I liked. While this nut mix doesn't contain pepitas (pumpkin seeds) nor pistachios, feel free to omit the dried cranberries or substitute for equal amount of semi-sweet chocolate chips. 

Mixed Nuts with Dried Cranberries (makes about 2 cups) 

1 cup (¼ pound) roasted salted almonds or 1 cup raw almonds, ½ tablespoon canola oil and 3/8 teaspoon kosher salt 

1/3 cup shelled walnuts 

1/3 cup shelled pecans 

1/3 cup dried cranberries or 1/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips 

1/3 cup raw sunflower seeds (optional) 

If using raw almonds, pre-heat oven to 275 degrees fareneheit. In a small to medium size mixing bowl combine raw almonds, canola oil and salt until almonds are well coated. Place almonds in single layer on cookie sheet. Bake 45 minutes. Remove from oven and cool completely. 

In a medium size mixing bowl combine almonds, walnuts, pecans, dried cranberries or semi-sweet chocolate chips and optional raw sunflower seeds. Serve. Store any leftovers in airtight container in refrigerator.

Almonds, pecans, walnuts with dried cranberries