Christmas Crack

D

ecember is here and that means it is officially time to make Christmas Crack. This sweet and gooey Chex mix goes by many names…my kids call it crack. Their friends now request crack, and the name has just kinda stuck!

One Christmas about twenty years ago a neighbor brought a version of this recipe to our door. I tried it, and I am ashamed to say that as much as I liked it, I instantly thought of ways I could make it better. The mixture had great flavor but the texture was crunchy. I thought it should be soft and gooey. Over the years I have changed the nuts from almonds to cashews. Added coconut, then decided to toast the coconut. Changed the syrup to include honey and then finally added pretzels. This recipe has evolved so many times, it barely resembles the original.

I am warning you, there is a reason people joke that this snack mix should be called crack…it really is incredibly addicting! I can’t think of a single time I have made just one batch of this mix. I always make multiple batches that cover my kitchen island. Although we still affectionately refer to it as Christmas Crack. Let me warn you that this will soon become New Year’s Crack…Valentine’s Day Crack…Easter Crack…etc.  In no time at all you will be requested to bring this to every gathering you are invited to. We have often joked that we get invited places just to bring the Chex mix. It is seriously that good!!! Pin this recipe as you will soon find yourself needing it over and over.

Ingredients:

6 cups Corn Chex

6 cups Rice Chex

6 cups Golden Grahams

4 cups Pretzel twists

7-ounce bag sweetened coconut, toasted

3 cups cashew pieces

2 cups butter

2 cups sugar

2 cups light corn syrup

1/2 cup honey

1 Tbsp. Vanilla Extract

Instructions:

1. Bring to a boil butter, sugar, corn syrup and honey.
2. Boil the mixture until it reaches the softball stage.
3. Remove from heat and carefully stir in vanilla.
4. While the mixture is slightly cooling combine dry ingredients in large mixing bowl or layer on a countertop covered with parchment paper.
   

   
5. Pour syrup mixture over dry ingredients. if using a mixing bowl, be careful not to break apart cereal as you coat the mix.
6. If using the countertop method, use a spatula to gently toss the mixture until completely coated.
7.  Let cool completely before covering or putting in bags. This will ensure the cereal stays crunchy.

Tips:

• Make this recipe your own by adding family favorite ingredients like bugles or chow mein noodles. If adding chocolate pieces to the mix, wait to add until the syrup cools on the mixture.
• Toasting the coconut adds such a great nutty flavor. Most people who claim to hate coconut, like it when toasted. Toast your coconut in the oven before adding to the mix…you won’t regret it.
• By adding cashew pieces instead of whole cashews, you will get little pieces of goodness throughout the mix rather than a few big bites of nuts.
• Adding pretzel twists instead of rods creates clusters of chewy yumminess held together in the twisted pretzel.