Let’s Turn Up The Heat – Hot Cracker Snack Mix

Today’s edible gift is pretty high on the spicy scale, but it is something you can scale back if you’re looking for zing and not spice.  This is another simple recipe that people can’t get enough of.

Moments ago a co-worker begged me to take the bowl away from her, she is currently scouring the internet for a 12 step program for Hot Cracker Snack Mix.

You will need:

1   box Saltine Minis
1   package Hidden Valley Ranch Mix
2   tsp. Cayenne Pepper 
½  cup canola oil
2  14 oz bag of prepared Chex Party Mix

Measure the oil and whisk in the ranch mix and cayenne pepper. 

Place the entire box of mini crackers in a gallon size Ziploc bag and pour the mixture over top of the crackers.  Seal the bag and gently roll and toss the cracker to evenly coat. 

 

Be gently while tumbling so as not to break the crackers. Let them soak for 1-2 hours and lay them out on a large cookie sheet to continue to dry.  I was wearing food service gloves when I made these in the morning because I needed to fix the baby’s bottle and I wanted to be careful not to give him his first taste of hot peppers. 

When the crackers were ready I mixed them with the Chex Mix tossing them together and it was ready to serve.  Check out these colorful bowls I bought at Sam's, they are so festive and they each have a lid to fit. 

I reserved 2 cups of the minis for my pantry, and mixed with only one bag of Chex Mix because I love to have the mini hot crackers in soup or chili.

 

To make the regular size hot crackers use a 1 pound box of saltines, 1 ¼ canola oil, 1 package of hidden valley ranch mix, 2 tbsp crushed red pepper flake (or 1 tbsp cayenne pepper). Place the crackers in a 2 gallon storage bag, mix, pour and toss.  These regular crackers go great with soups, gumbo, and believe it or not chicken salad.  Give this one a try if you like a little spice in your life, and remember to share with a friend. 

Chocolate Delights - Edible Gifts

Here we go, it is officially Christmas Season in the kitchen. Let's start with a quick and easy recipe called Pecan Delights.

I made these Friday morning and sent them to my husband's new office.  They are so quick and easy, they practically make themselves.  You'll need:

8 oz  package semi-sweet chocolate squares OR  2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
14 oz can of condensed milk
2 cups chopped pecans
Pinch of salt

I placed my chips in a microwavable bowl and microwaved for 1 minute.

I stirred them and then heated again stirring every 15 seconds until they were smooth.  I stirred in the milk and nuts and scooped them out into cupcake liners.

I think the smaller scoop would have been a better size if I had chopped the pecans smaller, but I used the large scoop which probably made for a large satisfying bite.

I liked how the liners made the candy easy to box up and serve.  I sent my hubby to the office with two boxes, and that my dear readers is how to win friends and influence people, tee-he-he.  Enjoy and don't forget to share with a friend.