Crooked Pines Farm is a bastion of wholesome goodness for families seeking nourishing and dynamic snack options. From our lush orchards to our sun-kissed gardens, we lovingly craft a range of delectable dehydrated delights – homemade granola, trail mixes, and energy bars that will fuel your adventures and delight your taste buds.
Oat-Based Granola
The humble oat is the foundation for our signature granola, a crunchy, nutty, and subtly sweet treat. We start with a base of quick rolled oats, which lend a satisfying chew, then add a blend of nuts and seeds to deliver protein and healthy fats. Slivered almonds, chopped pecans, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds are among our favorite mix-ins, each contributing their own distinctive crunch and flavor.
To bring it all together, we gently warm a mixture of honey, maple syrup, and a touch of coconut oil, then toss it with the dry ingredients. A sprinkle of cinnamon and a dash of vanilla extract elevate the granola’s warmth and depth. After baking to a golden perfection, we let the granola cool completely before storing it in airtight containers, ready to be enjoyed by the handful, over yogurt, or as a crunchy topping for your morning oatmeal.
Nut and Seed Granola
For those seeking a more protein-packed granola, we offer a version centered around an array of nuts and seeds. Beginning with a base of rolled oats, we add a generous helping of chopped walnuts, cashews, and macadamia nuts, along with flaxseeds, chia seeds, and sesame seeds. A drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of sea salt bring out the natural richness of the ingredients.
The process is similar to our classic oat-based granola, with the exception of a slightly longer baking time to ensure the nuts and seeds achieve the perfect toasted crunch. The result is a granola that satisfies hunger and fuels active lifestyles, making it a popular choice for hikers, cyclists, and busy families on the go.
Fruit-Infused Granola
When the mood strikes for something a little sweeter, our fruit-infused granolas are the perfect solution. We start with that same reliable oat base, then fold in a medley of dried fruits, like chewy apricots, tart dried cherries, and plump raisins. A touch of brown sugar or maple syrup amplifies the natural sweetness, while cinnamon and nutmeg lend warm, comforting notes.
The real magic happens when we add in coconut flakes and chopped nuts – the interplay of textures and flavors is simply divine. Whether you prefer a tropical twist with mango and pineapple or a more autumnal blend of apple and cinnamon, our fruit-forward granolas are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Trail Mixes
For those seeking a heartier, more portable snack, our homemade trail mixes are the perfect solution. Packed with a satisfying blend of nuts, seeds, and dried fruit, these mixes offer a balanced dose of protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates to fuel your adventures.
Savory Trail Mixes
Our savory trail mixes feature an array of roasted and salted nuts, such as almonds, cashews, and peanuts, paired with crunchy seeds like sunflower and pepitas. A dash of smoked paprika or garlic powder adds a savory punch, making these mixes a family-friendly alternative to salty chips or pretzels.
Sweet Trail Mixes
For those with a sweet tooth, we offer trail mixes that incorporate dried fruit, dark chocolate chunks, and a touch of honey or maple syrup. Chewy dried apricots, tart cranberries, and juicy mango pair beautifully with toasted coconut flakes and roasted almonds or pecans. The result is a satisfying, wholesomely sweet snack that’s perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up or a post-workout refuel.
Nut-Based Trail Mixes
For those with nut allergies or sensitivities, we’ve developed trail mixes that emphasize seeds and dried fruit. Sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and toasted coconut flakes form the base, with dried blueberries, apple slices, and a sprinkle of cinnamon adding natural sweetness. These seed-centric mixes are a nutritious, allergy-friendly option for the whole family.
Energy Bars
When you need a portable, nutrient-dense boost, our homemade energy bars are the perfect solution. Crafted with wholesome ingredients and a range of flavors, these bars will satisfy your hunger and power your active lifestyle.
Protein-Rich Bars
For those seeking a protein-packed punch, we offer energy bars featuring nut butters, such as creamy peanut butter or smooth almond butter, blended with rolled oats, dried fruit, and a touch of honey or maple syrup. Chopped nuts, chia seeds, and even a sprinkling of chocolate chips add to the bar’s satiating texture and flavor.
Fruit and Nut Bars
Ripe with the essence of the season, our fruit and nut energy bars are a delightful way to indulge in nature’s bounty. Dried cherries, apricots, and figs lend their natural sweetness, while a blend of toasted nuts, like pecans and almonds, provide satisfying crunch and healthy fats. A drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of ground cinnamon elevates these bars to new levels of deliciousness.
Oat-Based Bars
For a heartier, more substantial energy boost, our oat-based bars are the perfect choice. We start with a base of rolled oats, then add a combination of seeds, like flaxseeds and pumpkin seeds, along with coconut flakes and a touch of brown sugar. The result is a chewy, wholesome bar that will power you through your day, whether you’re tackling a hike, a workout, or a busy afternoon with the kids.
Dehydration Techniques
At the heart of our dehydrated delights is a commitment to preserving the natural flavors and nutrients of the ingredients we use. We employ a range of dehydration techniques to achieve the perfect texture and shelf life for our granolas, trail mixes, and energy bars.
Air Drying
For our fruit-infused granolas and some of our trail mixes, we opt for the gentle process of air drying. By spreading the ingredients out on mesh racks and allowing them to dry at room temperature, we maintain the integrity of the dried fruits and the crunchy texture of the nuts and seeds.
Oven Drying
For a quicker dehydration process, we turn to our trusty ovens, carefully monitoring the temperature and duration to ensure our granolas, energy bars, and some trail mixes achieve the perfect balance of crispness and chewiness.
Dehydrator Usage
When time is of the essence, we rely on our high-powered dehydrators to quickly and evenly dry our ingredients, ensuring they retain their vibrant colors, flavors, and nutritional profiles.
Regardless of the method, we take great care to minimize the use of preservatives and artificial additives, allowing the natural goodness of our ingredients to shine through in every bite.
So whether you’re fueling up for a hike, packing a nutritious snack for the kids, or simply craving a satisfying crunch, our homemade granolas, trail mixes, and energy bars at Crooked Pines Farm are sure to delight. Explore the bounty of our gardens and orchards, and let us nourish you with our delectable dehydrated delights.
