Snack time....

Happy Groundhog Day!  According to reports this morning, that groundhog didn't see his shadow!  Do you think he's certain we will have an early spring, or is he just playing with us?:-)

Are there times when you want to have special snacks around?  For many, this coming Sunday - Super Bowl time - there will be a lot of snacking.  The following recipe is one I cut out of the newspaper a number of months ago featuring that pumpkin spice flavor, but it is good at any time.

PUMPKIN SPICE CHEX MIX

1/4 cup brown sugar

1 Tablespoon pumpkin pie spice

1/4 cup butter

2 teaspoons vanilla

2 cups cinnamon Chex cereal

2 cups wheat Chex cereal

2 cups honey nut Chex

8 oz. pecans

1 cup pretzels (optional)

- In small bowl, mix brown sugar and pumpkin pie spice, set aside.  In small microwave-safe bowl, microwave butter for 30 seconds.  Stir in vanilla.  In large microwave bowl, mix all cereal, pecans, and pretzels.  Pour butter mixture over cereal mix, stir until evenly distributed.  Add sugar and spice mix and stir until coated.  Microwave uncovered 5 minutes or until mix begins to brown, stirring every minute.  Spread on wax paper or a cookie sheet to cool.  Store in airtight container.

I will say that I used the more traditional method of making this Chex mix.  I placed the cereal mix on a parchment lined baking sheet, then baked it in the oven at 350 degrees for 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes.

Also, in an effort to make this gluten-free, I used 3 cups of the cinnamon Chex and the honey nut Chex, omitting the wheat Chex completely.  I found gluten-free pretzel twists, as well as sticks.  I think I will try walnuts the next time!

There is something "magical" about Chex cereals.  They seem to be ready to absorb any flavor one wishes to use with them. 

This will certainly be a hit at any gathering!