A Coffee Can of Memories

When I was younger, the Christmas season really didn't start for me until I had a fresh batch of mama's Chex mix, served up in a bright blue or red metal coffee can. I can remember sitting on the couch watching Christmas movies (usually "Smokey Mountain Christmas"), the can tucked securely in my arm. The can never stayed full long, but mama always had refills ready, along with a smile. Now the Chex mix tradition has fallen to me & I'm so glad. As soon as the smell of the first batch wafts through the house, I know it's Christmas time.

And now making Chex Mix couldn't be easier, thanks to the little seasoning packets that you combine with melted butter. A lot of people add different ingredients now, but I prefer to stick with a simple mix of Wheat Chex, Rice Chex, pretzels & peanuts.

Tonia's Chex Mix
1 packet Chex seasoning mix
6 Tablespoons Butter, melted
5 cups Rice Chex
4 cups Wheat Chex
2 handfuls Pretzel Sticks
1 cup of Peanuts

Preheat oven to 250. In small bowl, combine seasoning packet & melted butter, mix well. Combine cereal in large roasting pan. Pour butter/seasoning mix over cereal, stir to coat. Add pretzels. Place in oven for one hour, stirring every 15 minutes. After 45 minutes, add peanuts. Cool on cookie sheets lined with paper towels. Store in airtight container.