Spring has sprung (well, maybe almost)!

It is currently in the 70s (according to the weather thing in my car). Can you even believe it!?! Knox County had no school for two straight weeks due to snow and ice and now its in the 70s. (There is talk of snow tomorrow.....but let's ignore that for now, shall we.) Spring is almost here and that means we will be out and about with kidlets in tow. I don't know that the two following recipes can even be called recipes, but they will make your trips to the park, the zoo and endless baseball practices more enjoyable.

Monster Mix
Cheerios
Raisins
M&Ms
Peanuts
Butterscotch chips

Throw various amounts of each of the above in a bowl and mix together. Divide into little snack size baggies (or re-usable bags-looking at you, Ceri). Yup, that's it. Here's what we used.


You will note it is completely different then the above "recipe". That's because this here is what we call more of a suggestion, then an actual recipe. Use what you have on hand and what your kids like. J is currently boycotting peanuts, so we went with Bugles instead. Then we added Craisins. And peanut butter chips. Tada! Monster mix my kids enjoy. Keeping a little baggie of this in your car for when Mama gets cranky has low blood sugar wouldn't hurt anything either.

Chex Mix
3 C Corn Chex
3 C Rice Chex
3 C Wheat Chex
1 C mixed nuts
1 C pretzels
1 C bagel chips
6 T butter (or margarine)
2 T Worchestershire sauce
1 1/2 t season salt
3/4 t garlic powder
1/2 t onion powder

Mix first 6 ingredients together in a big bowl and set aside. Mix seasonings together in a little bowl and set aside. Melt butter in the microwave (about 30-40 seconds). Add Worchestershire sauce and seasonings to the butter and mix. Pour over the cereal mixture and mix well. Microwave on high for 6 minutes, stirring well every 2 minutes. (This smells sooooo good when it's heating up in the microwave. We call the smell "the deliciousness of Chex.") After its heated, pour out on paper towels (I use wax paper) and let cool. Nom, nom, nom. You can store in a resealable bowl, baggies or throw in the freezer for later consumption.



So here's the thing, I have never completely followed this recipe. Ever.  That's not even my picture-I just took a picture of what was on my recipe. I use Cheez-Its instead of bagel pieces. A whole can of nuts instead of just 1 cup. More season salt (a whole teaspoon) and I add red pepper flakes. And the cereal, well, that depends on what is on sale. And yeah, I've been known to throw Bugles in this too. So use what works for you and your clan.

Check out Chex's website for a bajllion other ideas for snack mixes.
http://www.chex.com/recipes/chex-party-mix

Next MOPS meeting is at Erin Presbyterian on Thursday, March 12 at 9:30 am. We hope to see you there!