Parmesan Ranch Chex Mix

Football season is in full swing and I have an amazing snack recipe whether you have a bunch of people over or you are cheering on your favorite team by yourself.  This recipe is quick, makes a lot, and better yet it's easy on the wallet if you're like me and you don't mind using store brands.

Parmesan Ranch Chex Mix

8 cups rice chex cereal

2 cups mini pretzel twists

2 cups cheez-its

2 cups sesame sticks

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

1/3 cup canola oil

1 (1 oz) pkt ranch seasoning mix

1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese

Directions

In a large microwave safe bowl mix together cereal, pretzels, cheez-its, and sesame sticks

In a small bowl whisk together butter, oil, ranch mix, and cheese

Pour butter mixture over cereal mixture and stir to coat evenly

Microwave on high for 6 minutes stirring every 2 minutes

Pour snack mix out evenly on two cookie sheets to cool 

Cowboy Caviar

A fresh and healthy snack you can eat like a salad or with tortilla chips.  It is also great to have at an end of the summer cookout.

Cowboy Caviar
1 (15oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
2 cups frozen corn, thawed
2 dozen cherry tomatoes, quartered
1/2 cup red onion, petite diced
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Dressing
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
1 Tbl red wine vinegar
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper

Directions
In a medium size bowl combine beans, corn, tomatoes, onion, and cilantro
In a small bowl whisk olive oil, juice, vinegar, salt, and pepper
Pour dressing over vegetables and fold together to coat
Place in refrigerator for at least an hour for flavors to combine

Halloween Caramel Chex Mix

A fun treat for the holiday!

Halloween Caramel Chex Mix

6 cups corn chex cereal
3 cups pretzels
2 cups peanuts or favorite nut
2 cups candy corn M&Ms

1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup butter
1/4 cup light corn syrup
pinch of salt
1/4 tsp baking soda

Directions
Heat oven to 250°F
Line large cookie sheet with foil
In a large bowl combine cereal, pretzels and nuts
In a small saucepan stir together brown sugar, butter, corn syrup and salt
Cook and stir for 8-9 minutes over medium-high heat until mixture begins to boil
Boil 1 minute stirring constantly
Remove from heat and stir in baking soda
Pour over cereal mixture and evenly coat
Spread mixture onto cookie sheet
Bake for 30 minutes stirring half way through
Cool for at least 10-15 minutes
Stir in M&Ms