I think it's safe to say that trail mix is the mainstay outdoor activity fuel. But if you're like me and don't get down with peanuts & raisins, eating classic GORP (Good Ol' Peanuts & Raisins) is hardly a good reward for all the efforts of hauling yourself up hills. So I like to mix it up and try new combinations of hand held edibles.  Enter my latest snack triumph - Banana Split Trail Mix!   It's the perfect balance of crunchy/chewy and just the right amount of light 'n sweet. The dehydrated strawberries add an element of surprise while the tiny popped sorghum is the perfect palm sized puff.  If you can't track down the sorghum, feel free to substitute puffed rice cereal.

The only other thing to remember with this one is that it's important to keep it under wraps. A baggy or lidded jar will do the trick. Left out in the open it will lose it's crisp crunch, which is one it's best features. 

So get mixin' and let us know what you think!

Banana Split Trail Mix

3 cups popped sorghum (butter or sea salt)
1 1/4 cups banana chip bits
1 cup slivered almonds
1 cup dehydrated strawberry bits (dehydrated cherries would also work)
3/4 cup of dark chocolate chips

Mix together in a bowl and store in air-tight containers.

AND if you live in San Francisco, swing by the Alite Outpost (2505 Mariposa St.) this Saturday, May 18th, from 12-4pm for our Trail Mix DIY Event, where folks can make a small batch of their own favorite Trail Mix. We'll provide the ingredients! (and the beer!)

Author Paige Russell was made in Canada, where she developed her love for both experimental cooking and the great outdoors. A San Francisco resident since 2011, Paige is a proud Alite staff member and a strong believer in the motivating power of a tasty snack.

When it comes to Valentine's Day, food is often the chosen pre-cursor to the post-Valentine's date hookup.  But in the age of 5-hour energy shots and easy-to-access Viagra, its ability to energize below the waist line is often overlooked!  Many edibles have long histories of lifting libidos for both men and women; whether they possess a provocative shape, sensual texture, or energy boosting vitamin content, there are a number of treats that have developed quite the reputation for their carnal qualities.  This Valentine’s Day, Alite has chosen to highlight a few OUTDOOR snacks that are great for munching on the trail AND lighting your sweetheart’s forest fornication fires!

Avocado halves sprinkled with chili spice – The Aztecs’ name for the avocado tree was Ahuacatl, “testicle tree”.  A perfect complement to what it looks like on the inside don’t you think…  Cut a ripe avocado in half, sprinkle with some chili spice & sea salt, and leaving the pit in place, put back together and secure with a rubber band.  Take two small spoons and eat it right out of the skin.  Watching your boo eat from a spoon can be very sexy. That along with this nosh bit’s shape, texture and spiciness will all help put your minds on where each other’s mouths should be.

Hot Dogs (aka WIENERS!) – Snicker. This one’s all shape and name for sure.  Well that, and the moderately suggestive way of eating it of course!  Cook the dogs up ahead of time if you won’t be coming across any fire pits and take along some dinner packs of condiments.  (It’s important to be prepared)

Hard boiled eggs – The egg is one of the most ancient sexy time / fertility symbols. High in B6 and B5, they help balance hormone levels and fight stress, creating the equivalent of mood lighting for your body.  Cue the Barry White.

Figs – Simply seductive, these fruits have been prized as tasty and tantalizing erotic emblems since the time of Cleopatra. (They are said to have been her favorite food). Figs are known to be high in amino acids, a critical force for increasing sex drive and boosting sexual stamina. A sure fire way to set the dial to lovin’.

Chocolate covered almonds – Chocolate making the list won’t surprise you, but almonds might. The aroma of almonds has been reported to arouse passion in women.  Mix that with the sexual super powers of chocolate and you have one very tasty turn on.  (Find ones made with good quality dark chocolate for maximum effect!)

Now that you’ve got prime ingredients for V-day trail provisions, why don’t you go mix it up out on the trail this weekend!!  Go get ‘em!