Ah, Thanksgiving! It’s that magical time of year when friends and family gather around the table, sharing stories, laughter, and of course, delicious food. One of my favorite traditions is having a variety of snacks available while the turkey is roasting and the sides are being prepared. That’s where my *thanksgiving mix snack* comes into play! This delightful combination of nuts, dried fruits, chocolate, and a little crunch from pretzels is perfect for nibbling on throughout the day. Trust me, it’s a crowd-pleaser and adds a festive touch to any gathering. Plus, it’s so easy to whip up that you’ll want to make it every year!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups mixed nuts: I love using a blend of almonds, walnuts, and pecans. Feel free to pick your favorites or whatever you have on hand!
- 1 cup dried cranberries: These add a lovely sweetness and a pop of color. You can also swap in raisins or dried cherries if you prefer.
- 1 cup chocolate chips: I usually go for semi-sweet, but dark or milk chocolate works just as well. Chocolate makes everything better, right?
- 1 cup pretzels: I prefer the classic pretzel twists, but if you want a little extra crunch, the sticks or even chocolate-covered ones can be fun!
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon: This is the secret ingredient that brings warmth and coziness to the mix. Trust me, it’s a game changer!
How to Prepare the Thanksgiving Mix Snack
Preheat the Oven
First things first, we need to preheat our oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is super important because it ensures that your *thanksgiving mix snack* bakes evenly and gets that perfect crunchy texture. So go ahead and set that temperature while you gather your ingredients!
Combine the Ingredients
In a large bowl, we’re going to mix all our yummy ingredients together! Start by adding the mixed nuts first, then toss in the dried cranberries, chocolate chips, and pretzels. Finally, sprinkle in that teaspoon of cinnamon. Now, give everything a good stir until it’s all well combined. You want each bite to be bursting with flavor, so make sure the cinnamon coats everything beautifully!
Bake the Mixture
Now it’s time for the magic to happen! Spread your mixture evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Pop it in the preheated oven and let it bake for about 10 to 15 minutes. Here’s a little tip: stir the mixture every 5 minutes to ensure it doesn’t burn and gets evenly toasted. You’ll know it’s done when the nuts smell toasty and the pretzels are golden brown. Yum!
Cool and Serve
Once it’s out of the oven, let your *thanksgiving mix snack* cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes. This cooling period is crucial because it allows the flavors to meld together and gives the mix a chance to crisp up. Serve it warm for a cozy treat, or let it cool completely and store it in an airtight container for later. Trust me, this snack is just as delicious days later, but it’s so good that it might not even last that long!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super easy to make: With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, you can whip this up in no time!
- Perfect for sharing: This mix is great for gatherings—everyone loves a tasty snack to munch on while catching up.
- Flavor explosion: The combination of sweet, salty, and crunchy makes every bite delightful and satisfying.
- Customizable: Feel free to swap in your favorite nuts or add other ingredients like seeds or coconut for a personal touch!
- Make ahead: You can easily prepare this mix in advance and have it ready to go for those busy holiday days.
- Great for gifting: Pack it into cute jars or bags for a heartfelt homemade gift that friends and family will appreciate.
Tips for Success
- Use fresh nuts: Always check your nuts for freshness! Rancid nuts can ruin the flavor of your mix. If you have the time, toast them lightly before mixing to enhance their nuttiness!
- Don’t skip the stirring: Remember to stir the mix every five minutes while baking. This helps achieve that perfect golden brown color and ensures everything gets toasted evenly.
- Mix up the flavors: Feel free to get creative! Add some pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, or even a bit of coconut flakes for an extra twist. You can also play with spices—try adding a pinch of nutmeg or a drizzle of maple syrup for a seasonal touch.
- Watch the baking time: Every oven is different! Keep an eye on your mix, especially as it gets close to the 10-minute mark. You want it crispy but not burnt, so trust your nose—when it smells amazing, it’s almost there!
- Perfect for any occasion: This mix isn’t just for Thanksgiving! Change up the ingredients for other holidays or events. For example, swap in some mini marshmallows for a fun summer snack or use different dried fruits for a tropical vibe!
Nutritional Information
Before we dive into the deliciousness, just a quick note: nutrition can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. So, these values are approximate but should give you a good idea of what to expect from this *thanksgiving mix snack*!
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
With this kind of balance, you can enjoy your snack guilt-free! Perfect for those holiday celebrations where you want to indulge a little while still keeping it nutritious!
FAQ Section
Can I use different nuts in this *thanksgiving mix snack*?
Absolutely! Feel free to use any nuts you love or have on hand. Cashews, hazelnuts, or even pistachios can add a unique twist to your mix. Just make sure they’re unsalted if you want to control the flavor.
What if I don’t have pretzels?
No problem at all! You can swap them out for some mini rice cakes, popcorn, or even some crunchy cereal. Just look for something with a bit of crunch to balance out the mix!
How do I store the leftover mix?
Store your *thanksgiving mix snack* in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep it fresh even longer, you can pop it in the fridge for about two weeks. Just make sure it’s completely cool before sealing it up!
Can I make this mix ahead of time?
Definitely! This snack is perfect for making a few days in advance. Just prepare it, let it cool completely, and then store it in an airtight container until you’re ready to serve. It’s a lifesaver during busy holiday prep!
Is this snack gluten-free?
To make your *thanksgiving mix snack* gluten-free, just ensure that the pretzels you use are labeled gluten-free. Many brands offer delicious options that work perfectly in this recipe!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your *thanksgiving mix snack* is as easy as pie! Once it’s completely cool, transfer it to an airtight container. This will keep it fresh and crunchy for up to a week at room temperature. If you want to extend its shelf life, you can pop it in the fridge, where it’ll last for about two weeks. Just remember, if you’re storing it in the fridge, make sure it’s fully cooled before sealing it up to avoid any moisture buildup.
Now, as for reheating, you really don’t need to! This snack is best enjoyed at room temperature or slightly warm. If you prefer it warm, just pop it in the oven at a low temperature (around 250°F or 120°C) for about 5 minutes to revive that lovely crunch. Just keep an eye on it—no one wants a burnt snack! Trust me, these little steps will help you enjoy every bite of your *thanksgiving mix snack* as if it were freshly made!
Imprimer
Thanksgiving Mix Snack: 5 Festive Reasons to Love It
- Temps Total: 25 minutes
- Rendement: 4 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
A tasty mix of nuts, dried fruits, and chocolate for Thanksgiving.
Ingrédients
- 2 cups mixed nuts
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup pretzels
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine mixed nuts, dried cranberries, chocolate chips, and pretzels.
- Add cinnamon and mix well.
- Spread the mixture on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Let it cool before serving.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- Great for gatherings or as a gift.
- You can add other ingredients like seeds or coconut.
- Temps De Préparation: 10 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 15 minutes
- Catégorie: Snack
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sucre: 15g
- De Sodium: 5mg
- La graisse: 15g
- Graisses Saturées: 2g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 10g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 30g
- La fibre: 3g
- La protéine: 5g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 0mg
Mots-clés: thanksgiving mix snack, holiday snack, nut mix
