Chex Mix

Cheez-Its, Pretzels, Chex, Cashews... these guests are always invited to my party! Chex Mix is a family favorite.  Growing up I can't remember a single party without it.  So this weekend when I went home to celebrate my baby brother's college graduation I was sure to watch close as my mom mixed up Chex.  

With all our family and friends there to celebrate it was a great weekend.  My brother, the smarty-pants, graduated with a degree in Physics and is going on to Optometry school in the fall, studying at my Alma-mater... IU (go Hoosiers!).  Going home for the weekend is always fantastic but when there are multiple parties it makes it even more special.  

After all the years of making Chex Mix you would think my mom would have developed a better method for allowing it to cool.  You see she spreads it all out on the counter on a paper bag.  I know what you're thinking... what's wrong with that?  Well, while the paper bag is a very effective cooling method, it is *not* an effective security method.  Every few minutes someone walks into the kitchen and steals a handful when my mom turns her back.  I found out she always makes a double batch of Chex Mix due to inventory shrinkage prior to the party.  That woman is a saint.

Well it was great to be home and I'm always sad to leave but, at least the loooong car ride back to DC (11 hours!) was made just a little bit easier by the doggie bag of Chex Mix my mom slipped into my suitcase.  Thanks mom!  Hope you don't mind me sharing your secret recipe ;)

Chex Mix Recipe

recipe adapted from Chex Original Party Mix

Ingredients

yields 15 cups (before shrinkage... you should probably double the recipe)

3 cups rice Chex

3 cups corn Chex

3 cups wheat chex

1 cup pretzels

2 cups cheese flavored crackers (like Cheez-Its or Goldfish)

1 cup mixed nuts

1 cup cashew pieces (because everyone picks out the cashews to eat first)

12 T. (1 1/2 sticks) butter

1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce

1 T. hot sauce

1 T. seasoned salt

1 1/2 t. garlic powder

1 t. onion powder

2 t. black pepper

1) Pre-heat oven to 250 degrees.  Line a large roasting or 9x13 pan with foil.

2) Melt butter in a microwave safe bowl.  Add Worestershire, hot sauce, seasoned salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper.  Stir until combined.

3) Pour all three types of Chex, pretzels, cheese crackers, nuts, and cashews into the pan and toss well.

4) Evenly distribute the butter mixture on top and toss well until all pieces are evenly coated.

5) Place pan in the pre-heated oven and bake for 1 hour removing from the oven and tossing once every 15 minutes.

6) Pour Chex onto paper bags to cool for about 15 minutes.  Monitor closely for thieves; perhaps bring a guard dog or pepper spray to keep the crowd under control. 

7) You can serve immediately after cool or freeze it in an airtight container for up to 2 months.