Just before the holidays, I got invited by Amy of This HeArt of Mine to come to a Chex Mix party that she was hosting. Some people go to Star Trek conventions, some to Web Technology conferences…me, I go to apple fests and Chex Mix parties. Whatever.
Now, not only had I never heard of a Chex Mix Party before, but I am one of approximately three Americans who did not grow up ever really eating Chex Mix. But I gladly agreed to go because (a) I was curious and (b) Amy is a delight and (c) I was hoping to get a rousing sing-a-long of “I’m too chexy…” while there.
And so, I went. To a Chex Mix party. And I’m so glad that I did.
I joined Amy, a few of her friends, and a bunch of ladies from her church in making !fourteen! different kinds of Chex Mix. I know…I had no idea. We made salty mixes like chili-lime, buffalo, barbecue, and my favorite – loaded baked potato. And the dessert mixes were fabulous too: muddy buddies, cranberry orange, caramel crispy, sugar cookie, and several others.
These ladies knew how to get down with their Chex selves. I think we made all of the mixes in about an hour and a half, thanks to our friend the microwave. And the collective Chex-Mix wisdom of about ten women was so fun to be a part of. One of her friends had some great ideas: she suggested straining the cereal through a pasta-strainer first to catch all those unseemly Chex crumbs AND she showed us that we could use the cereal bags (split and laid open) instead of wax paper to cool the mixes on.
A total Chexpert.
So, we packaged up the mixes in individual sized portions in these adorable holiday boxes that Amy had found. But! It’s January. Why am I telling you about this now? The holidays are over.
Here’s why:
#1. It’s winter. And you need fun things to do in winter, post Christmas, so that you don’t spend 82% of your day on Pinterest.
#2. Holiday parties may be gone for another year, but a big food event is looming at the beginning of February: the Super Bowl.
I’ve got another post half-written about my complicated relationship with the NFL and it’s paramount event, the Super Bowl, but what is uncomplicated is the fact that February 3 is my next chance to chow down on snacks, post New Year’s resolutions, and I want to be prepared.
So get your friends together, head on over to the Chex Mix website for some fantastic recipe ideas, and get your party on, cereal style.
(P.S. This post is not sponsored by Chex Mix in any way…I just enjoyed the party and the mixes, and wanted to share the ideas with you all!)
(yields twenty-six 1/2 c. servings or a large party bowl) (recipe from Chex )
This gourmet Chex Mix recipe tastes like a baked potato loaded with cheese, ranch, dressing, and bacon. It was my favorite of all the mixes we made at the Chex Mix party!
Ingredients
5 cups Rice Chex® cereal
3 c. Corn Chex® cereal
4 c. shoestring potatoes
2 c. bite-size cheese crackers (like Cheez-its)
1/4 c. bacon flavor bits or chips
1/4 c. butter or margarine
1 package (1 oz) ranch dressing and seasoning mix
1/2 c. grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
In large microwavable bowl, mix cereals, potatoes, crackers and bacon flavor bits.
In small microwavable bowl, microwave butter, uncovered, on high about 30 seconds or until melted. Pour over cereal mixture; stir until evenly coated. Stir in dressing mix and cheese until evenly coated.
Microwave the mixture, uncovered, on high for 3 minutes, stirring after each minute. Spread on waxed paper (or an opened, flattened cereal bag) or foil to cool. Store in airtight container.
Keeps well for about 2 days.
Yay! When you gave us a sample of this we ate this stuff up so fast and when it was gone we were like, “That was Good!” Now I can make some and enjoy huge amounts :)
A Chex Mix party?!? What an awesomely awesome idea. Looks like you guys had a lot of fun too. Love it!
I think this is totally repeatable…if everyone brings the ingredients for a specific mix!
I really loved your “chexpert” picture. If I hear of any other recipes, I’ll chext them to you. It’s just so chexciting!