Chex Party Mix

I don't know when Chex cereals came on the market but I know that my Mom made this yummy snack every year.  She would fill a big paper grocery bag with the stuff and we ate on it for days.  We loved the stuff!  Now, I still make it but I change the ingredients around to suit our tastes.  It seems like everyone likes something different.  I like the Wheat Chex, my husband likes the Rice and Corn Chex. My Mom doesn't like cheese crackers so I throw in extra Chex or some Oyster (Soup) crackers.  Everyone will sit and pick out their favorite nuts.  So, you can substitute whatever crunchy snack you like.  I started making the BBQ flavored Mix when I was trying to come up with a totally meatless variety (you know that anchovies are in Worcestershire sauce, don't you?)  These Chex Party Mixes are a favorite of mine to take as hostess gifts too.  Check out the dollar store or craft store in your area for nice gift bags and tie on a pretty ribbon.  Endless possibilities!

                                     CHEX PARTY MIX

NOTE:  You can use any combination of crunchy cereals, crackers etc. that you like in these mixes.  You just need 11 cups total.

TRADITIONAL CHEX MIX:

1/2 cup (1 cube) Margarine

1 1/2 teaspoon Seasoned Salt

1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder

2 tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce

3 cups Corn Chex                                                                                                                                                                                             3 cups Rice Chex  

3 cups Wheat Chex                                              

1 cup Pretzel Sticks

1 cup Cheese Crackers

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.  In a large 2 - 3 inch deep baking pan (15” x 10 “ size), melt the margarine.  Mix in the Seasoned Salt, Garlic Powder and Worcestershire Sauce.  Add the remaining Crunchy Ingredients and mix well to coat all the pieces.  Bake for one hour, stirring every 15 minutes.  Allow to cool and then store in airtight container.  This mix will keep for at least 1 week.

BBQ PARTY MIX:

1/2 cup (1 cube) Margarine

1/4 cup Barbecue Sauce (your favorite kind)

1 teaspoon Chili Powder

1/2 teaspoon Dried Oregano

1/4 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper

6 cups Chex Cereals (corn, rice or wheat mixed)    

2 cups Corn Chips                                                   

1 cup Cheese Crackers                                                                                                                                           

1 cup Pretzels 

1 cup Mixed Nuts

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.  In a large 2 - 3 inch deep baking pan (15” x 10” size), melt the margarine.  Mix in the Barbecue Sauce and Seasonings.  Add the crunchy ingredients and mix well to coat all pieces.  Bake for one hour, stirring every 15 minutes.  Allow to cool and then store in airtight container. This mix will keep for at least a week!