Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Ranch Snack Mix

I hope you aren't tired of seeing my Christmas gift ideas; I think this is the last one. I finally found my "lost" memory card, which was holding this picture. I wanted to make sure I included it in the Christmas stuff, but it really is an anytime recipe. I love keeping this on hand for snacks.

When I started couponing way back when, I was getting free bags of Chex mix every time I went to the grocery. Surprisingly, it wasn't too much Chex. It worked out really...because...

Someone I worked with happened to be quite fond of Chex and liked to stick their grimy hands in my bag...despite my prodding to dump a portion in a little cup. I prefer people (especially with suspiciously dirty hands) to pour what they want into their hand and not contaminate the rest of the bag. I would be busy working and all of the sudden I would hear my (hidden, I thought) bag crumple. I knew it was time to either pitch it or kindly donate it to them.

I came across this snack mix recipe in a Taste of Home cookbook. Being the bugle fan that I am I decided I needed to make it...like THAT night. Quite a conundrum it was. Turns out Bugles are kind of scarce in the Cincinnati area. What is the deal with the lack of Bugles...why aren't they more popular? They are tastier than all of the other options in the pretzel/chip aisle. I finally found my beloved Bugles at the third grocery store of the night.

This snack mix is pretty awesome and far outweighs Chex mix in my opinion. I don't have to pick out all of the soft pretzels and the little cracker things in Chex anymore. Anyone else not like Chex mix pretzels? It is like they haven't been baked enough and are void of salt...just sayin'!

This makes a large batch, so be ready to hand it out for gifts. I also thought it would be a great thing to have around if you are hosting a Christmas dinner. Everyone likes to have snacks that they can just munch on.



1 package (12 oz.) miniature pretzels
2 packages (6 oz. each) Bugles
1 can salted cashews
1 package (6 oz.) Goldfish crackers
1 envelope ranch salad dressing mix
3/4 cup vegetable oil

In two large bowls, combine the pretzels, Bugles, cashews and crackers. Sprinkle with dressing mix; toss gently to combine. Drizzle with oil; toss until well coated. Store in airtight containers.

Yield: 6 quarts

9 comments:

Unknown said...

This sounds SO much better then that Chex mix. I'll be trying it soon.

Misty said...

I guess it is back to Kroger's I go... for Bugles! You have done an EXCELLENT job of posting these Christmas ideas... I really appreciate them! :)

Katie said...

April,

Yes, it is...I promise :) Let me know how you like it.

Katie said...

Misty,

Good luck finding them. I am sure your Marketplace will have them...my Kroger kinda stinks! Ok, it really stinks...

Tightwad Mom said...

I love bugles,too! Thanks for posting this Yummy Chex mix recipe.

Tiffanee said...

This is my type of mix. Usually with the others my family always picks out their faves and leaves the rest. This is a perfect mix and when you added the ranch it sealed the deal. Gonna make this soon!! Thanks for all the great ideas!!!

DeeAnna said...

There is nothing worse than sharing a bowl of Chex Mix with little hands and getting a soggy pre-licked finger handful....iccccckk!

Katie said...

@ Tina-Bugles are awesome...I don't know why I don't buy them more often!

@ Tiffanee- Yes the ranch is the best part. I am amazed at how many different uses there are to a package of dry ranch.

@ Dee- Yes, I hate nasty hands in my food. What is worse than little hands, is big hands of those you work with...who should know better ;)

Miz Helen said...

What a great combination. Thank you for sharing, I will have to give it a try. You and your family have a very Happy New Year!

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