Sweet Party Mix

Recipe: Sweet Party Mix
Source: Better Homes & Gardens Cook Book 12th edition

I made the traditional Chex Party Mix for a family gathering this weekend and wanted a sweet version to bring, too. I found lots of great recipes on the Chex website but the one I chose came from my trusty BH&G cook book. It takes 10 minutes to make and 20 minutes to bake and, best of all, the ingrediants can all be found at Aldi!

4 cups bite-size corn square cereal
4 cups bite-size rice square cereal
2 cups pretzel knots
1 cup sliced almonds
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
6 Tbsp butter
3 Tbsp light-colored corn syrup
1/4 tsp baking soda
1 cup dried cranberries, blueberries or cherries

1. In a large roasting pan combine corn cereal, riace cereal, pretzels, and almonds; set aside.
2. In a medium saucepan combine brown sugar, butter, and corn syrup. Cook and stir over medium heat until mixture boils. Continue boiling at a moderate, steady rate, without stirring, for 5 minute more. Remove saucepan from heat; stir in baking soda. Pour over cereal mixture; stir gently to coat.
3. Bake in a 300 degree oven for 15 minutes; stir cereal mixture and bake 5 minutes more. Remove from oven; stir in dried fruit. Spread on a large piece of buttered foil to cool. Break into pieces. Store in an airtight container. Makes 12 cups.
   

Whole Wheat Soft Pretzels

This is a favorite snack at our house, and surprisingly simple. I have tried several other soft pretzel recipes and they were such a production! The last thing I need is more stress...so this simple recipe was just the thing. I don't remember where I got it (something that I am notorious for) but, just want to say that I did not create the actual recipe. :) I use my stand mixer, so in my kitchen, the process is tweaked a bit so I'm not even kneading by hand. I also like to make the ropes half the suggested size to make smaller pretzels. Just take 5 minutes off the baking time for that option. The original recipe...

1 package active dry yeast
1 cup warm water 2 1/2 to 3 cups whole wheat flour
1 tsp salt
3 TBSP canola oil
1 TBSP honey
coarse sea salt

In a bowl, dissolve yeast in water. Add 2 cups of the flour, oil and honey. Stir until smooth. Mix in small amounts of the remaining flour until a dough is formed that is not too wet to handle.

Place dough on a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes.

Place dough in a greased bowl and let stand in a warm place for about 1 hour.

Heat oven to 400 degrees. Punch down dough.

Divide dough into twelve equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope, about 18 inches long.

Twist each rope into the shape of your choice and place on a greased cookie sheet. Sprinkle with coarse salt.

Bake at 400 degrees for about 15 minutes or until crust is golden brown.

Yield: 12 pretzels.