Struggling to scrape a snack-together, and have only 15-20 minutes until you, your kids and the stray cat are running late? Not only are nuts nutritious, they are also relatively easy to put together. 

Densely packed with monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, nuts provide essential fatty acids and have been reported to improve skin elasticity and in some cases curb the prevalence of certain flare-ups. Walnuts, in particular, are known for this. They possess anti-inflammatory properties and boost vitamin B levels. Whereas cashews are acne-fighting and promote immune function which can expedite cell renewal. For those experiencing skin issues, and doing so for the first time – they are a must. 

With over 19 school years beneath her belt, my mom has accumulated quite the catalog. Her lived experience, in addition to my many pathetic attempts at meal-prepping in college, have led us to this – a list of 5 healthy and equally filling snacks. But before you delve into these delicious recipes, check out our blog on Everything You Need To Know About Healthy Snacks.

Oatmeal Walnut Cookies

What you'll need:

• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ⅓ cup packed dark brown sugar
• ¼ cup butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 large egg
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup regular oats
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ⅔ cup golden raisins
• ¼ cup chopped toasted walnuts
• Cooking spray

What to do:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. 
2. Place the first 5 ingredients in a large bowl.
3. Beat with a mixer at medium speed until well blended. Lightly spoon flour into a dry measuring cup; level with a knife.
4. Add flour, oats, and salt to the egg mixture; beat well.
5. Stir in raisins and walnuts. 
6. Drop by level tablespoons, 1½ inches apart, onto a baking sheet coated with cooking spray.
7. Bake at 350 degrees for 12 minutes or until lightly browned.
8. Remove from the oven; let stand for 2 minutes. Remove cookies from baking sheet; serve warm.

Almond/Walnut Coconut Granola

What you'll need:

• 3 cups old-fashioned oats
• ½ cup sliced almonds
• ½ cup chopped walnuts
• 1 cup coconut
• ½ cup sunflower seeds
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup unsalted butter
• 6 tablespoons honey
• 1 cup chopped tropical blend dried fruit

What to do:

1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. 
2. In a large bowl, stir together oats, nuts, coconut, sunflower seeds, and salt.
3. In a small saucepan, melt butter with honey over low heat, stirring constantly. Pour butter mixture over oat mixture and stir until well combined.
4. In a large jelly-roll pan that has been sprayed with nonstick cooking spray, spread granola evenly. 
5. Bake in middle of oven for approximately 20 minutes, stirring halfway through cooking time. 
6. Cool granola in a pan on a rack and stir in dried fruit. It can be kept in an airtight container at cool room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

Peanut Energy Bars

What you'll need:

• ½ cup dry roasted salted peanuts
• ½ cup roasted sunflower seeds, or other chopped nuts
• 2 cups raisins, or other chopped dried fruit
• 2 cups rolled or instant oats
• 2 cups toasted rice cereal
• ¼ cup toasted wheat germ, optional
• ½ cup creamy or crunchy natural peanut butter
• ½ cup packed brown sugar
• ½ cup light corn syrup, or honey
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

What to do:

1. Coat a 9-by-13-inch baking pan with cooking spray. 
2. Combine peanuts, sunflower seeds, raisins, oats, rice cereal, and wheat germ in a large bowl. 
3. Combine peanut butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup in a large microwaveable bowl; microwave on high until bubbling, 1 to 2 minutes.
4. Add vanilla and stir until blended.
5. Pour the peanut butter mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until coated. 
6. Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan.
7. Press down firmly. Let stand for about 1 hour to harden.
8. Cut into bars.

Curry Roasted Pistachios

What you'll need:

• 1 tablespoon brown rice syrup
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 tablespoon unsalted, mild curry powder blend
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Zest from 1 lime
• 1½ cups raw pistachios in the shell
• 1 tablespoon cane sugar

What to do:

1. Preheat the oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Combine the brown rice syrup, coconut oil, lime juice, curry powder, sea salt, cayenne, and lime zest in a small sauce pan.
3. Warm over low heat, stirring frequently, until the coconut oil has melted and everything is well combined. Place the pistachios in a bowl and pour the hot curry seasoning over nuts.
4. Toss with a spatula or spoon until the nuts are fully coated.
5. Spread the seasoned nuts onto a parchment-lined baking tray.
6. Roast the nuts for about 25 minutes, stirring once at halfway mark, until the coating looks baked on and dry. 
7. Remove nuts from the oven and sprinkle with cane sugar. Let them cool completely then break apart and transfer to an airtight container.

Healthy Snack Balls:

What you'll need:

• 1 cup cashews, walnuts, or almonds
• Generous pinch sea salt
• 1¼ cups pitted Medjool dates
• ¼ cup dried apricot
• 1 tablespoon almond butter
• ¼ cup sesame seeds
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon

What to do:

1. Process the nuts and sea salt in a food processor until the nuts are coarsely ground. 
2. Add the dates, apricots, almond butter, sesame seeds, and cinnamon. Keep processing the mixture until it’s starting to stick together a bit.
3. When you can squeeze a handful and it sticks together nicely, you’re done. Roll the mixture into balls that are about 1 inch in diameter.
4. Store in an airtight container for up to two weeks in the fridge or a week outside of the fridge.