Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Chex Mix of Champions

Every December growing up, I would come home from school and ask my mom "Did it come? Did we get it yet?" I remember running home from the bus stop busting through the door and looking for evidence that it had arrived. The package. The package that not only my sister and I dreamed of all year, but also our friends. The package that was filled with homemade treats we were witness to once a year.

Most of my dad's family lives in Iowa and it wasn't possible for us to spend many holidays with them. Even though we were far away, they always made us feel special. Every year for Christmas they would put together the most delicious package of Christmas goodies a girl - young or old - could ever dream of. Over the years the packages would change slightly, as would our favorite bits, but there was one constant that we received every year and was the favorite every year: Chex mix.

I am not talking about the stuff you buy in the blue and white bag called Chex Mix. I am talking about the Mix handcrafted from the cereal and with a few special touches added in. I am sure that everyone has their favorite add-ins, but where we come from - this is the only way to make and eat Chex Mix.


The Mix

1/2 cup butter
2T Worcestershire Sauce
1 1/2 t All Season Salt
1/2 t Garlic Salt or Onion Salt
2 cups Wheat Chex cereal
3 cups Rice Chex cereal
3 cups Corn Chex cereal
2 cups Cheerios (plain, oat or honey nut)
1 1/2 cup Cashew nuts
1 1/2 raisins

Preheat oven to 275 degrees.

In a small sauce pan combine butter, worcestershire sauce, season salt, and garlic salt. Stir until butter is melted and all ingredients are combined.

In a large bowl combine all of the cereals and the nuts. Pour the melted buttery goodness onto the cereal and combine. The best way to keep from damaging the cereal and still coating all of it is to use your hands.

Spread into baking dishes and cook for 40 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes.

Remove from oven and pour raisins into the still warm mix. Watch them plump up. Try to wait it until it cools before putting first handful in your mouth.

Enjoy!


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