Ten Party Mixes

There are a ton of names you could use to describe this.

White Trash.  Puppy Chow.  Muddy Buddies.  Trail Mix.  Bird's Nests.

Some are politically incorrect.  Some are trademarked.  Some are just too obscure.

So, I'm just placing a generic title on this post so you can get an idea what I'm offering.

Party mixes, in my mind, constitute any snack food materials rolled in a super flavorful blend of ingredients to coat and enhance the goodies.  You can use anything really, from nuts and dried fruit to pretzels and cereals.  Even store-bought combinations.  Throwing this topping on it will take an ordinary party mix and knock it out of the ballpark.

Trust me.




Ten Party Mixes:

Base:
5 cups dry party mix (I used pretzel rods, peanuts, Chex mix and M&Ms)


Mexican Hot Chocolate Party Mix
1/2 cup chocolate chips
1 tbsp cinnamon chips
1/4 cup Confectioner's sugar
1 tsp cinnamon

Salted Caramel Party Mix
10 soft caramels, unwrapped
1/4 cup Confectioner's sugar
2 tbsp sea salt

Snickerdoodle Party Mix:
1/2 cup cinnamon chips
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup Confectioner's sugar
1 tsp cinnamon

Batter Party Mix:
10 oz. almond bark, melted
1 cup boxed mix
1/4 cup Confectioner's sugar
Sprinkles

Cookies & Cream Party Mix
10 oz. white chocolate, melted
3/4 cup crushed Oreos
1/4 cup Confectioner's sugar

Coffee & Toffee Party Mix
1/2 cup chocolate chips
1/2 cup crushed toffee bits
1 tsp coffee grounds
1/4 cup Confectioner's sugar

Maple Pecan Party Mix
10 soft maple candies
1/2 cup finely chopped pecans
1/4 cup Confectioner's sugar

German Chocolate Party Mix
1/2 cup chocolate chips
1/4 cup flaked coconut
1/4 cup Confectioner's sugar

Memphis Party Mix:
1/2 cup peanut butter chips
3/4 cup crushed dried bananas
1/4 cup Confectioner's sugar

Vanilla Chai Party Mix
10 oz.  Vanilla Bark
1 tbsp cinnamon chips
2 tbsp chai mix
1/4 cup Confectioner's sugar


In a bowl, microwave the chips/candies that will serve as your glue.  With recipes with more than one glue, melt them together and stir.  Microwave in 10-20 second increments to prevent burning.  You may elect to use a double boiler as well.

Pour the melted mixture into a plastic zippered bag.  Add the second flavor ingredient and the party mix and shake them all around to combine.  Once coated, remove the party mix and spread out onto a cookie sheet.  Sprinkle the Confectioner's sugar over the top and let the mixture come back to room temperature to harden.



Listening to:  Martina McBride - Independence Day