Description
Spicy-Sweet Snack Mix
Ingredients:
2 cups rice cereal squares
2 cups spicy pretzel sticks
1 cup honey-roasted peanuts
1/2 cup chili-coated almonds
1 cup red and green M&M’s
Instructions:
Mix cereal, pretzels, peanuts, almonds, and M&M’s in a large bowl.
Sprinkle with a pinch of cayenne or chili powder for extra spice.
Toss to coat and serve immediately.
Spicy snack lovers, what would you add to heat it up?
#SpicyHolidayMix
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for the perfect Spicy-Sweet Snack Mix every time.
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Measure out all ingredients precisely. This ensures a balanced flavor in every handful.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a very large mixing bowl, add the 2 cups of rice cereal squares, 2 cups of spicy pretzel sticks, 1 cup of honey-roasted peanuts, and 1/2 cup of chili-coated almonds. Gently stir with a large spoon to begin combining.
- Add the Spice Layer: Sprinkle your chosen extra spice (cayenne or chili powder) evenly over the dry mix. Start with 1/4 teaspoon, toss, and taste before adding more to reach your desired heat level.
- Incorporate the Candy: Finally, add the 1 cup of red and green M&M’s. Fold them in gently to prevent the candy shells from melting or coloring the other ingredients.
- Final Toss and Serve: Give the entire mixture one final, thorough toss to ensure the spices are evenly distributed. Your snack mix is now ready to enjoy.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile mix is perfect for more than just a bowl on the counter. Serve it in individual paper cones at a party for easy handling. Package it in clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon for a thoughtful homemade holiday gift. It also makes a fantastic topping for a sweet and spicy popcorn bar or a crunchy addition to a trail mix station.
How-to Summary
In short, create this Spicy-Sweet Snack Mix by measuring all ingredients, combining the dry components in a large bowl, sprinkling with extra spice to taste, gently folding in the M&M’s, and tossing everything together before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this snack mix ahead of time?
Yes, but for best texture, store the base mix (cereal, pretzels, nuts) separately from the M&M’s. Combine them just before serving to keep the candy crisp.
What are some nut-free alternatives?
Replace the peanuts and almonds with more cereal, pretzel sticks, roasted chickpeas, or even sesame sticks for a safe and crunchy alternative.
How can I make it spicier?
Beyond cayenne, toss the mix with a tablespoon of hot honey or a spice blend like Tajín before adding the candy. You can also use wasabi peas instead of standard peanuts.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. The pretzels and cereal will start to lose their crunch after that.
Can I use different candy?
Absolutely! White chocolate chips, yogurt-covered raisins, or even chopped pieces of spicy chocolate bars would be excellent substitutions for M&M’s.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using a Small Bowl: This leads to uneven mixing and spillage. Always use a bowl much larger than you think you need.
- Adding M&M’s Too Early: If the mix is even slightly warm from other ingredients or your hands, the candy coating can melt or bleed color.
- Over-spicing: Add heat incrementally. You can always add more spice, but you can’t take it out.
- Storing While Warm: Any residual warmth in the ingredients will create condensation in a sealed container, making the mix soggy.
Conclusion
This Spicy-Sweet Snack Mix is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, masterfully balancing heat with sweet, crunchy, and salty elements. Its simplicity is its strength, allowing for endless customization based on your pantry and palate. Whether you’re gifting it, serving it at a gathering, or keeping a stash for yourself, this mix is guaranteed to be a memorable hit. Don’t be afraid to experiment with your own fiery additions to make it uniquely yours.