Some people call this snack nuts and bolts, but it’s party mix to me. I only make this party mix around the holidays or for a party because if left alone to my devices, I will eat the whole bowl and it becomes a party of one. Party mix dates back to the 1950s and I like all thing vintage–including my snacks. The bowl that nestles these tasty morsels is a vintage 1950s Medalta crockery bowl from Medicine Hat. I love the worn glaze and cracks in the bowl and it’s perfect for holding my party mix. Back to this recipe. It follows traditional party mix recipes, but has a few grown up refinements. Fresh garlic is steeped into the melted butter and Dijon mustard and fresh lemon juice compliments the tangy Worcestershire sauce. And I added just a smidge of cayenne pepper for a bit of heat. It goes down well at happy hour with a glass of chilled white wine. -bvox
Bon’s Party Mix
Inspired by Bon Appetit
- 3 cups bugles
- 4 cups Crispex cereal (or Chex)
- 3 cups small twisted pretzels
- 1 cup blanched or roasted unsalted peanuts
- 1 cup raw almonds
- 6 Tbsp butter (I used Earth’s Balance vegan “butter” spread)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tsp lemon juice
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp kosher or sea salt
- Fresh ground pepper to taste
Directions
Preheat oven to 250°. Combine the first 5 ingredients in a large bowl. Set aside.
Melt butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Add garlic and gently cook to infuse butter, about 5 minutes. Strain into a small bowl, pressing to extract garlic juices; discrad garlic. Stir in Worchestershire, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, paprika, cayenne pepper and pepper. Pour over mixture in bowl and gently toss to coat.
Divide mixture between 2 baking sheets and spread in an even layer. Bake, stirring avery 15 minutes, until dry and toasted, about 45 minutes. Let cool completely on baking sheets (party mix will become crispy as it cools).
Transfer party mix to a large bowl and devour right away!
Can be made 1 week ahead. Store airtight at room temperature.
