Perfect Ranch Cheesy Chex Mix

Hello, dear readers!

Are you a chex mix person? I've always associated it with the holidays, since my mom makes huge batches of baked garlic chex mix at Christmastime. It sits around in bowls which somehow refill themselves and makes the most perfectly cozy vacation snack.

Plus, chex mix makes a great gift. And not just during holiday time!

After filling up on the baked garlic stuff this holiday season, my mom and I had an urge to get some ranch action in for a next batch. I combed through many recipes for cheesy ranch chex mix, read many reviews, and created this one. I love it. Hope you enjoy it!

Perfect Cheesy Ranch Chex Mix

makes 11 cups

2 cups goldfish crackers (cheddar)
2 cups cheese-its (cheddar - parmesan duo)
2 cups oyster crackers
1 cup small pretzels (I like the square, lattice/grid shape the best)
2 cups corn chex
2 cups rice chex

1/4 cup butter, melted
1 pkg. (1 oz.) Ranch dip or dressing mix (I've used both - either is fine!)

Combine crackers, pretzels, and cereal in a large bowl. Pour about half of the melted butter over the mixture, then sprinkle about half of the Ranch mix. Stir to coat. Repeat with remaining butter and Ranch mix. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

Makes a great gift or party snack!

ROSEMARY-GARLIC PITA CHIPS

Lately I've been trying to eat three smaller meals with two good, healthy snacks during the day. I always feel better fueled that way, but finding snacks that are tasty and fill me up isn't always easy. Usually I reach for fruit or yogurt, but sometimes you need a dry/crunchy fix, you know? Well this is it for me!



It was an accident that I ended up making these. We had a whole package of whole wheat pita bread hiding in the back of the fridge, and it was a little hard by the time I discovered/remembered it. So I cut it up, brushed it with olive oil, and sprinkled it with the first tasty combination I thought of: garlic salt and dried rosemary.

Mmm :)

They turned out beautifully! I've been taking a little bag of them to work for a mid-morning snack. They're easy to make, of course (especially if you line the baking sheets so you don't have dishes to do!). I don't know if I'll make them all the time, but I'm definitely sticking them in my party food file. Throw them on a plate with some hummus, and you've got a party right there.

Rosemary-Garlic Pita Chips (Baked)

6 pita bread rounds (I used whole wheat)
olive oil for brushing
garlic salt (fine salt sticks better than course salt)
black pepper
dried rosemary

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Using a pizza cutter or kitchen scissors, cut each pita bread into 8 triangles (like a pie). Arrange triangles on lined baking sheets and brush both sides with olive oil. Sprinkle generously with garlic salt, then sprinkle with pepper and rosemary.

Bake 15 - 20 minutes or until golden. (Check them often after 12 minutes or so to be sure they don't burn).