Did you ever eat Chex Mix as a kid? What were your favorite flavors to add or did your Mom have a special recipe? Growing up in Dominican Republic, Chex Mix was never a big thing until I lived in the US during my teenage ages. It became the late night snack of choice, and when eaten straight from the box, I assumed calories just stayed in the box right?!
When My Blog Spark invited me to have a Chex Party Mix-Change, ideas started popping into my head: pumpkin, cinnamon, apples, bananas, bacon, caramel, soy, ginger...You name the ingredient and I thought about it and how to incorporate it into my Chex Mix.
Instead of the regular cookie exchange, why not host an exchange of Chex Mix varieties? It's a fun way to incorporate a new product into the holidays, as well as share childhood recipes with friends and family. I called over a few friends and created a few special recipes for them to test out. Below are some of my favorite Holiday Chex Mixes:
Candied Orange and Spice Chex Mix
How to Candy Orange Peels: Using a potato peeler, carefully peel of the rind of the orange and slice into thin strips. In a small saucepot, simmer 1/2 cup water and 1/2 cup sugar. Let the sugar dissolve and add the sliced orange peels. Let cook for 20 minutes and then spread on a cookie sheet to dry. Store in a cool, dry place.
To make Candied Orange and Spice Chex Mix, toss Cinnamon Chex with powdered cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom and the candied orange peels. Add mini marshmallows and enjoy the flavors of the holidays in this Chex Mix!
Nutty Chocolaty Holiday Mix
Inspired by Gingerbread Bagels "Puppy Chow", I adapted this recipe by adding another of my favorite ingredients, Nutella. So this basic, but deliciously amazing recipe is melted butter, chocolate chips, peanut butter/chocolate spread, Nutella, vanilla extract and vanilla salt. Drizzle over Corn Chex and toss in powdered sugar.
To keep fresh: pour into individual ziplock bags and place inside a fun box with a recipe for more Holiday Chex Mixes! Your guests will have something fresh to snack on the next day!
Candied Orange and Spice Chex Mix
How to Candy Orange Peels: Using a potato peeler, carefully peel of the rind of the orange and slice into thin strips. In a small saucepot, simmer 1/2 cup water and 1/2 cup sugar. Let the sugar dissolve and add the sliced orange peels. Let cook for 20 minutes and then spread on a cookie sheet to dry. Store in a cool, dry place.
To make Candied Orange and Spice Chex Mix, toss Cinnamon Chex with powdered cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom and the candied orange peels. Add mini marshmallows and enjoy the flavors of the holidays in this Chex Mix!
Nutty Chocolaty Holiday Mix
Inspired by Gingerbread Bagels "Puppy Chow", I adapted this recipe by adding another of my favorite ingredients, Nutella. So this basic, but deliciously amazing recipe is melted butter, chocolate chips, peanut butter/chocolate spread, Nutella, vanilla extract and vanilla salt. Drizzle over Corn Chex and toss in powdered sugar.
To keep fresh: pour into individual ziplock bags and place inside a fun box with a recipe for more Holiday Chex Mixes! Your guests will have something fresh to snack on the next day!
Need more ideas for falling in love with Chex Mix? Check out these 15 minute recipes:
- Original Chex Party Mix – A tried and true classic of many holiday gatherings.
- Chex PB & Chocolate Blast – Is there really a better combination than peanut butter and chocolate? Yes, when Chex cereal is added!
- Chex Pumpkin Pie Crunch – Mix things up and try this mouthwatering alternative to the beloved holiday pie.
- Hot Buttered Yum Chex Mix – A combination of cinnamon, brown sugar, honey and marshmallows blend effortlessly together in a crazy-delicious, gluten free crunchy mix.
- Chex Caramel Chocolate Drizzles – Melted chocolate, chewy caramel and a delightful crunch carry this gluten-free party mix recipe from microwave to table in 15 minutes!
Host YOUR own Chex Mix Party!
Enter to win a prize pack from My Blog Spark and Chex Mix that includes:
- 5 boxes of Chex cereal to create Chex Party Mix recipes
- 5 featured Chex Party Mix recipes
- 10 takeout containers so your guests can take their Chex Party Mix to-go
- $20 gift card to purchase recipe ingredients and decorating supplies
- Share with us a fall-inspired Chex Mix Combination
- Answer this question: do you have any Chex Mix childhood memories?
- Follow @Chex_Mix on Twitter
- Follow @nella22 on Twitter
- Follow Cooking with Books via Google Friend Connect
- Share this post via Twitter, Facebook, or any other social media platform
oh my, this is perfect. i am going to make puppy chow with my students for cooking club!!! thanks love!
ReplyDeleteHow fun! I would definitely do something w/ pumpkin pie spice.
ReplyDeleteI had some of the puppy chow and it was delicious-a gourmet, simple snack that anyone could make.
ReplyDeleteLove it!
~Annie
Wow, I didn't now there was Cinnamon Chex. My usual mix is a variation on the original recipe with a little more spice, and then I toss in whatever odds and ends of nuts and pretzels I happen to have on hand.
ReplyDeleteMy only childhood memory of Chex Mix was when someone else served it at a party and I enthralled. But I couldn't convince my mom to make it. So as an adult, I have to make up for that shortcoming.
ReplyDeleteLike Chex Mix on Twitter
ReplyDeleteLike you on Twitter
ReplyDeleteTweeeeeee ted.
ReplyDeleteOooh...LOVE Chex Mix of any kind. That Nutty Chocolate Mix would be gone in about 3 seconds in my hands.
ReplyDeleteAnd I think if you're going to mention Bacon Chex Mix, it's only fair that you send me some!! :)
I love my Mom's version. 50% cereal, 50% cashews. Yum!!
ReplyDeleteChex is my favorite gluten-free snack on the go! The mix I usually make is muddy buddies, with the delicious combo of chocolate and peanut butter, although I think I need to try a recipe with pumpkin!
ReplyDeleteHoly yum! This sounds so fun!
ReplyDeleteI love to mix Chex with candy corn for fall! THANKS! Email: blogattoday (*at~ gmaildotcom
ReplyDeleteI remember learning to count using Chex!! :) Email: blogattoday (*at~ gmaildotcom
ReplyDeleteFollowing through GFC. Email: blogattoday (*at~ gmaildotcom
ReplyDeleteTweet= http://twitter.com/#!/womenwwin/status/131440915335221248.
ReplyDeleteEmail: blogattoday (*at~ gmaildotcom
I am in love with making cider molasses right now, I really want to make a fun mix with cider molasses, Yum! What a fun giveaway, I would love love this opportunity:-) Hugs, Terra
ReplyDeleteMy childhood memory, my Mom made the delicious puppy chow every Christmas. I loved a big bowl sitting on our table ready for us to devour:-) Hugs, Terra
ReplyDeleteI follow @chex_mix and you on Twitter!
ReplyDeleteHeading to tweet now;-) I shared on my Facebook page:-)
ReplyDeleteI'd love to try and make an apple spiced one w/ dried apples and cinnamon!
ReplyDeletechex mix was part of most holiday celebrations throughout the year. there some tasty sounding variations suggested in the comments - would love to try some.
ReplyDeletejacquieatstemborski AT comcast DOT net
Ooo, the ideas for a fall inspired Chex mix are endless in my head! How about a pumpkin puppy chow? Cinnamon Chex coated with pumpkin ganache, then tossed into powdered sugar? Throw in some pumpkin seeds, chocolate chips, and pretzels and you've got instant fall in your mouth! :)
ReplyDeleteOf COURSE I follow you on Twitter! I Tweeted about the giveaway, too!
ReplyDeleteI didn't know that ChexMix was on Twitter, but I'm following them now! :)
ReplyDeleteMy childhood memory of Chex Mix revolves around Christmas tree decorating. My mom always had a big bowl full of Chex Mix on the table next to the ornaments and a fire roaring in the fireplace... ahhh :)
ReplyDeleteI like to add roasted nuts for fall!
ReplyDeletecontestkim25@gmail.com
I remember eating chex mix while decorating the tree when I was little!
ReplyDeletecontestkim25@gmail.com
I follow you with GFC!
ReplyDeletecontestkim25@gmail.com
I always remember Puppy Chow at every single holiday party! it's a classic!
ReplyDeleteWould do a Spanish twist with added smoked parika and cumin.
ReplyDeletebetsy_349 at hotmail dot com