Moroccan Crunch Chex Mix
Cook Time: 1 hour
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Description: Here’s a nice change from the regular Chex Mix – you can make it savory or sweet by including the honey or not. 🙂 Enjoy!
Recipe Category: Lunch/Snacks
Keywords: Grains, Moroccan, African, Kid Friendly, Winter, Christmas, Thanksgiving, Weeknight, Oven, Beginner Cook, < 4 Hours, Easy
Ingredients:
- Butter: 1/2 cup
- Seasoning Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Ground Cumin: 1 teaspoon
- Ground Coriander: 1 teaspoon
- Ground Cinnamon: 1/2 teaspoon
- Dried Mint: 1 teaspoon
- Cashew Pieces: 4 cups
- Sesame Seeds: 3 tablespoons
- Crystallized Ginger: 1 – 2 tablespoons
- Ground Ginger: 2 teaspoons
- Honey: 1 tablespoon (optional for sweetness)
Nutrition Information (per serving):
- Calories: 394.4
- Fat Content: 28.1 g
- Saturated Fat Content: 7.6 g
- Cholesterol Content: 22.2 mg
- Sodium Content: 339.8 mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 31.5 g
- Fiber Content: 4.2 g
- Sugar Content: 8.6 g
- Protein Content: 9.2 g
Instructions:
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Preheat the Oven:
- Heat the oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit. This low temperature ensures that the mix bakes slowly and evenly, allowing the spices to infuse into the cereals and nuts without burning.
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Melt the Butter:
- Place the butter in a large roasting pan and melt it in the hot oven. This step not only melts the butter but also preheats the pan, helping the mixture start cooking immediately.
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Add Seasonings:
- Once the butter is melted, stir in the seasoning salt, ground cumin, ground coriander, ground cinnamon, and dried mint. These spices give the mix its distinctive Moroccan flair, with a balance of savory, warm, and slightly sweet notes.
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Combine with Dry Ingredients:
- Stir in the Chex cereals and nuts, ensuring everything is evenly coated with the spiced butter. The butter acts as a carrier for the spices, ensuring they adhere well to the cereals and nuts.
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Bake the Mix:
- Bake the mixture for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes. This frequent stirring prevents the mix from sticking to the pan and ensures even toasting, enhancing the crunch and flavor.
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Add Final Ingredients:
- After 1 hour, stir in the sesame seeds, dried fruits (such as raisins or cranberries), and crystallized ginger. These additions provide extra texture and bursts of flavor.
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Drizzle with Honey:
- If you prefer a sweet touch, drizzle the mixture with honey and stir well to combine. The honey adds a delightful sweetness that complements the spices and binds the mix together slightly as it cools.
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Cool and Store:
- Let the Chex Mix cool completely, then store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh and crunchy. This mix stays fresh for several weeks, making it a convenient and tasty snack option.
Serving Suggestions:
This Moroccan Crunch Chex Mix is incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways. Here are a few ideas:
- Holiday Parties: Serve it in decorative bowls during Christmas or Thanksgiving gatherings. The mix’s festive flavors are sure to be a hit.
- Lunchbox Treat: Pack a small portion in your child’s lunchbox for a flavorful and nutritious snack that stands out from regular snacks.
- Movie Nights: Enjoy it as a munchable treat during movie or game nights. Its unique blend of spices will elevate your snacking experience.
- Gifting: Package it in pretty jars or bags and give it as a homemade gift to friends and family during the holiday season.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice Adjustments: Feel free to adjust the spice levels to suit your taste. Add a bit more cumin or cinnamon for a stronger flavor, or reduce the seasoning salt if you prefer a milder mix.
- Nuts and Fruits: You can substitute or add different nuts and dried fruits. Almonds, pistachios, dried apricots, or cherries can add new dimensions to the mix.
- Make it Vegan: Replace the butter with a plant-based margarine or coconut oil to make the mix vegan-friendly.
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for a bit of heat. This twist can make the mix even more intriguing.
Storage Instructions:
Store the Moroccan Crunch Chex Mix in an airtight container to maintain its crispiness. It will keep well at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, you can freeze the mix in a sealed bag for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature, and it will be ready to eat.
The Moroccan Influence:
This recipe takes inspiration from the rich and diverse flavors of Moroccan cuisine, known for its vibrant and aromatic spice blends. Spices like cumin, coriander, and cinnamon are staples in Moroccan cooking, often used in tagines, couscous dishes, and various snacks. The addition of dried mint and crystallized ginger further enhances the exotic appeal, making this Chex Mix a delightful fusion of traditional American snack culture with Moroccan culinary elements.
Final Thoughts:
The Moroccan Crunch Chex Mix is more than just a snack; it’s an experience that brings together the familiar comfort of Chex Mix with the exotic allure of Moroccan flavors. Whether you’re enjoying it during a cozy winter evening, sharing it with friends and family during the holidays, or simply indulging in a quick snack, this mix promises a flavorful journey with every bite. Happy snacking!
