Recipe: Baked Chex Mix

I'm always flattered when people ask me for my Chex Mix recipe. It's one of those snacks that everyone seems to love, and I'm happy to share the wealth. That said, I feel a little bit like a fraud, because the recipe is essentially the same as the one on the back of the box. I've just tweaked it a bit to suit my own taste.  

This is the perfect opportunity to use up those bottom-of-the-box goldfish crackers, finish off those pretzels that are a few days past their prime, and liven up those snack foods that your children have grown bored of. And if you're going to the store to buy ingredients for this, don't spend a fortune on them - since you're adding your own seasonings, the cheap store brands are totally fine. Go ahead and raid your pantry for all those half-eaten bags of snacks.   

CHEX MIX: 

• 2 CUPS CHEX
• 2 CUPS PRETZELS
• 2 CUPS CHEESEITS OR GOLD FISH
• 6 TBSP BUTTER
• 4 TBSP WORSCESTERSHIRE SAUCE
• 2 TSP LAWRYS SEASONING SALT
• 2 TSP GARLIC POWDER
• 2 TSP ONION POWDER

POUR CHEX, PRETZELS, CHEESE-ITS, AND ANY OTHER CRACKERS YOU'RE USING IN A LARGE OVEN SAFE GLASS BOWL. IN A SMALL MIXING BOWL, MELT THE BUTTER. MIX WORCESTERSHIRE SAUCE, SALT, GARLIC POWDER, AND ONION POWDER INTO THE BUTTER, AND POUR OVER CHEX MIXTURE. 

BAKE AT 250 FOR 1 HOUR, TAKING OUT TO STIR EVERY 15 MINUTES. 

Here's a time saving tip: If you're in a hurry, you can also just microwave the mix! I really think the baked version tastes best, but the microwaved version is almost as good. Once everything is mixed together, microwave uncovered on high 5-6 minutes. Spread on paper towels to cool. Store in airtight container.