New Year, New Food!

In spite of the recent trauma in my kitchen, I am pleased to report that there have been some successful dishes as well!  In fact, some may become future holiday traditions.  The first three recipes below are slightly modified versions of Chex Mix recipes that you can typically find online or on cereal boxes.  My sister-in-law, Rachel, has picked the Buffalo-Ranch as her favorite.  Ross likes anything he can get his hands on.  Which works out well, considering that one of the four food groups in our home is "Crunchy".  The kraut recipe was also a surprising hit with my parents, who came over for New Year's dinner.  I didn't know if my dad would like it, because he's pretty traditional with his kraut expectations, but he and Deana loved it and took the leftovers with them!

 Buffalo-Ranch Chex Mix

In a large microwavable bowl, combine 4 or so cups each of Rice Chex and Wheat Chex cereal with 4 cups of White Cheddar Cheez-its, 4 cups of small soda crackers, and 2 cups of pretzel sticks.   In another, smaller microwavable bowl, melt 6 tablespoons of butter for about 40 seconds or until melted.  Stir in 2 tablespoons of your favorite hot sauce (use less if you want a milder flavor), 1 packet of ranch dressing mix (ranch dip mix will make the end product a little more garlicky, if you prefer that) and 2 teaspoons of celery seed.  Once well-stirred, pour over cereal mixture.  Stir until evenly coated.  Microwave, uncovered, on high for 4-5 minutes, stirring every 2 minutes.  Spread on paper towels or wax paper to cool.  Store in airtight container.

Honey-Nut Cereal Mix

In a large microwavable bowl, combine 8 cups of Crispix cereal with 2 cups cashews (whole or pieces are both fine).  In a separate microwavable bowl, combine 1/4 cup packed brown sugar, 1/4 cup butter and 1/4 cup honey.  Microwave on high for 1 minute or until mixture begins to boil.  Pour over cereal mixture.  Stir until evenly coated.  Microwave the cereal mixture, uncovered, on high for about 4 minutes, stirring every minute.  Stir in 1 cup of dried cranberries and 1/4 toasted sesame seeds or flaxseed.  Microwave an additional 3 minutes, stirring each minute.  Spread of wax paper to cool.  Once completely cooled, add 3/4 cup of white chocolate chips, mix and store in an airtight container.

Hot Cocoa Snack Mix

 In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1 tablespoon hot chocolate drink mix or mocha powder.  In a large, microwavable bowl, mix 4 cups popped popcorn, 2 cups Chocolate Cheerios and 3 cups Rice Chex.  Microwave 1/4 cup butter on high about 40 seconds until melted.  Pour over cereal, stirring until coated.  Microwave cereals mixture, uncovered, on high for 2 minutes, stirring once.  Sprinkle half the sugar mixture on top, stir.  Sprinkle with the rest of the mixture.  Stir again and microwave for 1 more minute.  Spread on wax paper.  Once completely cooled, add 2 cups of miniature marshmallows and 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips.  Store in an airtight container.

Cider Kraut

Core and coarsely chop 1 large Granny Smith apple.  Drain 1 large and 1 small can of sauerkraut.  Rise, set aside.  In a separate bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups of apple cider*, a few dashes of black pepper, 1/2  cup minced onion, 1 teaspoon garlic, and 2 teaspoons celery seed.  Mix very well.  Combine with sauerkraut.  If you desire, place pork loin or Polish sausage* (or both!) in crockpot.  Top with apples and sauerkraut mixture.  Cooking time depends on the meat you're using.  A general rule is 7 hours on low.  Serve with hard rolls, a leafy salad and applesauce.  Happy New Year!

*Buy local if you can!  Trax Farms, near Pittsburgh, made for a tasty dish.  I also use Hillshire Farms turkey sausage.  Go Meat!