eat make read

You guys, that day is coming up. You know, lovey-dovey Valentine’s Day. People across the country will get all fancied up and go out to a romantic dinner. This year I’m thinking of doing exactly the opposite. I’m not being Scrooge, it just that we, like many of you I’m sure, are busy people so the thought of running around trying to make reservations just sounds like another thing to add to the to-do list. Instead, we’re going to hang out at home, have a quiet dinner and indulge in a movie. On our couch… without computers. And you can bet we’ll have a bowl of this super tasty, sweet-with-a-little-spice chex mix right in front of us.

Ok, so chex mix isn’t the most romantic recipe, but it’s comfy and delicious and not something you have everyday. Plus, this version doesn’t make your mouth all garlicky (which definitely isn’t romantic). If you’re one of those folks with a microwave, you can make this in a snap, like less than 10 minutes kind of snap. However, if you’re like me and live in the stone age and don’t own a microwave, it’ll take a bit longer. But it’s worth it, I promise.

After either 3 minutes in the microwave or a half-hour in the oven, you’ll end up with a tasty blend of crisp chex, sweet pretzels and peanuts. Everything has a nice bit of sweetness from the maple syrup with a hint of cayenne to tickle your taste buds. So come on, cuddle up on the couch with your favorite Valentine and bowl of this goodness.

sweet + spicy chex mix
makes about 6 cups
inspired by this recipe at not without salt

2 cups corn chex
2 cups rice chex
2 cups peanuts
2 cups pretzels
1/2-1 teaspoon cayenne (depending on how spicy you like it)
4 T. butter, melted
4 T. maple syrup
1-1 1/2 teaspoons Maldon or sea salt

Oven directions:
Preheat oven to 300°

1
Combine the cereals, peanuts, pretzels and cayenne in a baking pan.
2
In a small bowl combine the butter and maple syrup. Add the butter mixture to the cereal and stir very well.
3
Bake 30-40 minutes stirring every 10 minutes to prevent burning. When the liquid evaporates and the chex are crisp, remove mixture from oven, add salt, stir and let cool.

Microwave directions:

1
Combine the cereals, peanuts, pretzels and cayenne in a large, microwavable-safe bowl.
2
In a small bowl combine the butter and maple syrup. Add the butter mixture to the cereal and stir very well.
3
Microwave on high for three minutes stirring every minute to prevent the sugars to scorch.
4
Add the salt, stir and let cool.