One of Adam's favorite family traditions was spending every Christmas Eve w/ his mom's side of the family, with Grandma Joy hosting. That was Christmas to Adam. Her house was filled to the brim w/ family, food, laughter and smiles all around. I can still remember the first Christmas Eve celebration he took me to like it was yesterday, not 14 years ago! She always had the same meal, and a few things included were ones extra special b/c it was the only time of the year she would make them; and one of those was her Chex Mix! It was so simple, nothing like what you buy in the store, and 100% addictive! I can still see Adam sitting at her kitchen table eating it from the bowl, going back for more, more and even more. Now that Grandma is no longer w/ us, those traditions and memories are even more special. This year as soon as I found out we would be hosting that side of the family, on Christmas Eve, the first thing I knew I had to make was Grandma's Chex Mix. See, a few years ago while I was cleaning her house one day I asked her for the recipe. She copied it down and I placed it in my recipe box w/o another thought. See, I thought Grandma would be around for many more years to be making it herself. It just goes to show, you never know how long those we love will be around for us to tell them we love them, and how much they mean to us. I know Grandma got a huge kick out of me in the kitchen this year, agonizing over the recipe making sure it turned out perfectly, just so her family could be taken back to those Christmas Eves of old, in her kitchen, in her home, surrounded by love. I love you Grandma Joy, and I hope my version of your holiday made you very proud!
Chex Party Mix
2 c. Wheat Chex
2 c. Corn Chex
2 c. Rice Chex
(any combo of these is fine, as long as it equals 6 cups)
6 TBS margarine, melted
4 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
2 tsp. seasoning salt
3/4 c. party peanuts
Preheat oven to 250. Combine margarine, Worcestershire and salt. Stir well. In a shallow baking dish, combine all cereal and peanuts. Pour margarine over top. Stir gently to coat. Bake in oven 45 minutes, stirring every 15. If still not "dry" enough, continue cooking stirring occasionally.
I love the homemade stuff. My mom always made it every year too. Nothing like it. Happy New Year to you and your family.
ReplyDeleteThat is one of our family traditions as well. My recipe has a few more ingredients, but my boys look forward to it every year. We are on our second batch this season. It travels well when we camp for the holiday.
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