Friday, December 4, 2009

FFF...Holiday Traditions

It's FRIDAY!!! Woohoo! And...that means FFF. This week's theme is Holiday Traditions! Check out more FFF on Hannah's blog HERE. So, to get in the spirit of the theme, I simply copied one of my holiday tradition posts from last year! Is that cheating?!?! Nahhhh!! It's TRADITION! :) Here it goes:

As some of you may remember from a post last year, I am CRAZY about Chex Mix! I have been since I was a kid. Growing up, we made Chex Mix every year around Christmas time and it is just one of those crazy, seemingly meaningless traditions that is so important to me! It is really less about the actual food, than it is the memories and feelings it evokes. (Though it is pretty darn deeeeee-lish!) Every year, we would dedicate an entire day to making Christmas goodies. My mom, sister, and I (sometimes my brother, too) would spend the entire day cooking, baking, and decorating cookies. The kitchen would be a disaster with flour, frosting, wax paper, and tiny cookie decorations everywhere! We had so much fun and those times together helped define the meaning of the holidays for our family. And, let me tell ya, my sister decorates a mean cookie!

At some point over the years, I became the official Chex Mix chef and thus began a lifelong, glutinous love affair that only comes around once a year! It is pretty much the staple of my diet from Thanksgiving through New Years. No joke! In fact, I am eating it right now. ;) I especially love it for breakfast! Now, I am talking about the homemade stuff, not that bagged crap that claims to be the original Chex Mix. And, I am a hardcore ORIGINAL Chex Mix recipe follower. None of this bagel chip, mixed nuts, and garlic & onion powder nonsense. I suppose you could call me a Chex Mix puritan or, well, maybe a Chex Mix snob. Call me what you will, but I stand strong and proud by the Original recipe. ;)

What is the original recipe you ask? Well, let me indulge you. Okay, I admit, the recipe may not be exactly like the original, but it is pretty darn close. And, I always double the recipe.

6 cups Rice Chex Mix
6 cups Corn Chex Mix
6 cups Wheat Chex Mix (NOT the multigrain. I made this mistake ONCE!)
1 or 2 cups pretzels
1/2 to 1 cup peanuts (I like dry roasted)
5 tbsp butter (the REAL stuff)
4 tbsp Lea & Perrins Worcestershire (the best brand)
3 tsp Seasoned Salt

Mix dry ingredients together in large bowl. Melt butter and combine with worcestershire and seasoned salt. Pour over cereal mixture and stir to coat evenly. You can bake it in the oven or the microwave. I use the microwave because that is what I have always done. :) Cook for 6 minutes in the microwave, stopping to stir mixture every 2 minutes. Lay out on paper towels to dry and then ENJOY!!!

So, since it is my turn to be mom at Christmas time now, I have the huge responsibility of passing on this sacred tradition to my family! And, well, I am so proud to say little pea may be just as crazy about Chex Mix as his mama. Sigh...so, so proud. ;)


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I have been stocking up on my supplies! Seriously, I was not kidding when I said this was an addiction!!! And, I just may need to replenish this supply of cereal to get through the season!
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My official taste tester.
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YUM! YUM! YUM! YUM! YUM! DELICIOSO
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9 comments:

Melinda said...

You are so funny!! My mom made the chex mix every year at Christmas too...but I hated it!! You can have my share for the season!!

One Busy Momma said...

Wow! I dont think I've ever had "homemade" chex mix! I've had plenty of the bagged kind! *laughs*
I love the bagged mix!
I'll have to try the homemade kind now!!!
Great tradition!

Kim & Dave said...

What a fun post!!!

I think you are right-you *might* have a tinsy-tinesy problem with a Chex Mix addiction!

I love the stuff, too, although I could make it through a holiday season just fine without it! But, I guess I know where to find some if I absolutley must have it!

Guatmama said...

Yum, yum, yum. My aunt makes this too. She puts in all in a brown paper sack (you know the kind that is hard to find anymore) and shakes it up good instead of a bowl and she ads corn pops for a little burst of sweetness!

Bobbi said...

My Mom makes it too!! Love it. Live on the leftovers till spring!! YUMMY!!!! Looks like Pea is taking on your love as well.

Glad you had a great Thanksgiving. He must have been in Heaven with the tour of the fire department!!

My portable DVD player is a cherished possession here. Goes with us to all sporting events and long car rides. I bless it regularly!!! Guilt gone here as well!!

Hannah said...

That totally cracked me up! I love your tradition post :)

Joelsburg said...

FYI - we're printing out this recipe and making some... today! Henry will be official taste tester.

The gFamily said...

The love affair with Chex Mix cracks me up! The picture just solidified your addiction! Hilarious!! It is pretty tasty!!

Heidi said...

Mmmm, yummy! I'm feeling the late night munchies coming on.