sweet, spicy, salty, smoky snack mix

Recipe by
Sherry Blizzard
Piney Flats, TN

I found this recipe on Hey Grill Hey. This little snack hits the tastebuds all at once! It's sweet, it's salty, it's spicy and it's smoky. I increased the cheese crackers, Bugels, and the amount of nuts. You won't be able to keep your fingers out of this yummy snack. Bag it up as little gifts for your guests as a little snack. If I had some of that Raspberry Chipotle Balsamic Vinegar, I would try that in place of the hot sauce and see what comes of that.

yield 4 to 6
prep time 5 Min
cook time 1 Hr 3 Min
method Stove Top

Ingredients For sweet, spicy, salty, smoky snack mix

  • THE SPICY CARAMEL SAUCE:
  • 1 stick
    unsalted butter
  • 1 c
    light brown sugar
  • 1/4 c
    hot sauce (franks is a good choice)
  • 1/4 c
    light corn syrup
  • 1 pinch
    salt
  • RESERVE IN A SEPARATE DISH:
  • 1/4 tsp
    baking soda
  • THE DRY MIX:
  • 2 c
    corn chex cereal
  • 2 c
    pretzel sticks
  • 2 c
    bugels
  • 1 1/2 c
    mini cheese crackers (like cheez it's or goldfish)
  • 2 c
    deluxe mixed nuts

How To Make sweet, spicy, salty, smoky snack mix

  • 1
    Preheat smoker to 225F (you will use a fruit wood like apple or cherry) OR you can use the oven--it just won't have a hint of smokiness. Maggie asked if you could just use a drop or two of liquid smoke, I don't know, but will try it.
  • 2
    Line a sheet pan with foil and spray with a light oil OR use a Non-Stick Foil to line your sheet pan....set aside.
  • Cereal, pretzels, nuts, crackers....and, if you want, popcorn
    3
    Put all the cracker ingredients (cereal, pretzels, bugles, crackers and nuts) into a big bowl and mix. My brother thinks popcorn would be a good addition and I agree.
  • Spicy caramel in the making....why not?
    4
    In a medium saucepan add in the butter, sugar, syrup hot sauce and salt. Bring to a boil. Boil for 3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the baking soda. It's going to foam up....keep stirring.
  • Dump onto your foil.  You're ready to put a little smoke on this baby.
    5
    Immediately pour over the dry ingredients and fold over....not stir. Dump this onto your foil-lined pan sheet and spread out.
  • 6
    Place this pan sheet on the smoker and smoke using a fruit wood such as apple, pear or cherry with a mix of maple for an hour. NOTE: If you don't have a smoker, just finish it in the oven.
  • 7
    Remove your pan and allow to cool completely before breaking apart.
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