This year we decided to leave Santa our Spicy Party Mix and Ranch Oyster Crackers instead of our biscotti. Even though Santa likes biscotti — a lot! We thought that after snacking all evening on sweets and drinking gallons of hot cocoa he might appreciate the spicy party mix and oyster crackers.
We came to this decision after we received a text from Mrs. Claus. She revealed that Santa’s suit has become a little tight and, well, when he finally got home last year and landed, he was still flying high from all the sugar. He was so noisy Ho! Ho! Hoing! That he woke up all of the elves and then it was a free-for-all.
It took her better than four hours to get them all settled down. Poor Mrs. Claus!
But that’s not all. . . . there was more . . . .
. . . . how did we find out?
Well . . . . Mrs. Claus simply broke down and told us the entire story.
Here I’ll just let you read for yourself the letter we left for Santa . . . .
. . . . it’ll give you an idea of what happened and what Mrs. Claus is up against.
We’re sure you can see we had to do something . . . . we simply couldn’t let him finish the night with more sugar and then get behind the reins!
We left him the note next to his snack fully explaining what we were doing. We put an extra sack of Party Mix next to the reindeer’s organic carrots with green tops. We thought Mrs. Claus might like a little something in way of appreciation for sharing Santa with us every year. We also included the recipe for both the Party Mix and the Ranch Seasoned Oyster Crackers in the sack – we thought Mrs. Claus might like to make the snacks for the elves.
Oh! You want us to give you the recipes for the snacks and show you how we make them?
Well sure! It isn’t difficult.
Here is a picture of the main Party Mix ingredients . . . .
. . . .then all it takes is vegetable oil and spices . . . . that’s what gives it the special spicy taste. You don’t have to use these brands — just something similar.
Then we get two very large aluminum roasting pans and evenly divide the ingredients between the two. For the next step you”ll need a blender — it’s easier that way.
You put the oil in the blender plus all of the spices — push the button and blend away. Divide the oil evenly between the two roasting pans. We heat the oven to 250°F.
Then we take the contents of each roasting pan and put in a five-gallon food safe bucket and we put the lid on and rotate the bucket around 20 – 25 times. Yes! The bucket is as old as it looks. It has seen many batches of Party Mix. There were years when we made two to three batches in one Christmas season.
The contents go back into the roasting pan and we do the second roasting pan in the same manner. Every 20 minutes we take the Party Mix out of the oven and dump it back into the bucket and rotate it again about 20-25 times. It goes back into the roasting pan and again in the oven. The other batch gets the same treatment. We do this for two hours and when the two hours are up we let the Party Mix cool in the roasting pan. Once it’s cool the spicy treat can be stored in the bucket.
Now, we have to admit we have two ovens and we can make both roasting pans of Party Mix at once. If you only have one oven then you’ll have to do this in two stages — but that’s okay — it’s well worth the effort. In fact, our oldest grandson loves our Party Mix so much he wanted it for his birthday — his birthday is in June. 🙂
The Ranch Oyster Crackers are super easy — 2 bags of oyster crackers, original ranch powdered dressing, oil, garlic powder, and dill.
How easy is that ??!!
We hope you enjoy our family recipes — we’ve been making them for decades and they are wonderful to have on hand. Not only are they great to pull out as appetizers and snacks — you can give them as gifts. Stock up on cute tins and then plan on sharing the delicious snacks.
Buon Natale a tutti e un Felice Anno Nuovo!! Alla prossima.
Spicy Party Mix
Ingredients
- 1 Box Cherrios {small size}
- 1 Box Wheat Chex {small size}
- 1 Box Rice Chex {small size}
- Pretzel Sticks {large bag}
- Pretzel curls {large bag}
- 2 Box Cheese Nips {regular size}
- 1 Box Fish Crackers {regular size}
- Large Can Mixed Nuts { 3 pounds}
- 2 Tablespoons Cayenne Pepper
- 1 1/2 Tablespoons Chili Powder
- 2 Tablespoons Onion Powder
- 2 Tablespoons Garlic Powder
- 1 1/2 Tablespoons Celery Salt
- 3 Tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce
- Tabasco Sauce -- several squirts to taste -- depending on how much heat you like
- 2 cups vegetable oil - we prefer peanut oil
- 2 large aluminum roasting pans
- 5 gallon food grade bucket or container with lid
Instructions
- Heat oven to 250 F.
- Divide cereals, pretzels, crackers, and nuts evenly between the two roasting pans. Mix the spices and the oil in a blender making sure it is well blended.
- Pour the oil evenly over each roasting pan.
- Put the contents of one of the roasting pans in the bucket and cover with the lid. Rotate the bucket or container about 20 to 25 times. Pour the cereal contents back into the roasting pan and slide the roasting pan into the heated oven. Repeat the same procedure for the second roasting pan.
- Every 20 minutes remove each roasting pan, pour the contents into the bucket, cover with lid, and slowly rotate the contents 20 to 25 so that the seasoning is well distributed.
- After 2 hours, remove the roasting pans and let cool on cooling rack. Once the party mix is cooled it can be stored in the 5 gallon bucket or container you used to mix it. Keep in a cool place and it can last quite a while -- ours never has.
Nutrition
Ranch Flavored Oyster Crackers with Dill
Ingredients
- 2 Bags Oyster Crackers {12 ounce size}
- 1 teaspoon dill weed
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 package original Valley Dressing {1 ounce}
- 1 cup vegetable oi { We use peanut oil}
Instructions
- Heat oven to 325 F.
- Line a baking pan with aluminum foil.
- Put the crackers in a large pan or container with lid.
- Mix the oil and seasoning in a blender then pour over the crackers. Cover the container with lid then rotate the contents so that the oil and seasoning covers the crackers evenly.
- Pour the contents onto the lined baking sheet.
- Bake until lightly browned around 30 to 40 minutes.
Nutrition
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Veena Azmanov says
Definitely a treat to my kids. They to love it . Looks awesome and fun too. Surely delicious, crunchy and yum.
Jo says
I recently made my own version of sweet and spicy chex mix too. These are sooo addictive! Your version with ranch seasoning sounds absolutely delicious!
Leanne says
We love our snack mixes, so this one needs to happen this holiday season! And leaving it for Santa is a great idea. Your note is especially cute. I also read your daughter’s comments above. Love it. First hand testimonial as to how great this snack mix is! It’s a must try now! 😉
Lori | The Kitchen Whisperer says
OMG, I was just thinking about “what can I make with these 2 bags of oyster crackers?” I’m cleaning out my pantry and found them! I know what I’m making tonight! Thank you so much for the inspiration!
Dee | Grammy's Grid says
I know I’ve pinned this before but pinning again!!
Danielle says
Making crackers have never been so fun! Can’t wait to make a jar of these and use THE BIGGEST jar I can find in my kitchen 🙂 And using two ovens is an absolute game changer, that’s for sure!
Anna says
This is a fab idea for a party snack! They look so tasty and so crunchy, just perfect little nibbles! And I also love the idea of turning these into edible gifts for the loved ones! It’s always so much nicer to receive a gift that someone actually made!
Patti says
I love that you use a 5 gallon bucket to “stir” your party mix, and I love idea of the bag of snack mix for Mrs Claus and the recipe so she could make some for the elves. Great idea! Have you ever used the topping you put on the oyster crackers on pretzels. It’s delicious that way. I will have to try it on the oyster crackers.
Denise says
This looks delicious, and it would make an excellent party snack or anytime snack!
Kathryn says
It looks like Santa is getting a fantastic treat this year! I love this type of party snacks – so tasty and easy to make ahead of time!
Michelle Ball says
Hello All Our Way readers,
I will begin by saying my comments are objective, even though I am All Our Way’s daughter.
1. I grew up on this party mix and it is a loved family tradition! We have two teenage sons and when the party mix arrives it goes in the middle of the kitchen island with everyone’s elbows out to position ourselves for optimal consumption.
2. In her post Marisa mentions it “lasts forever,” I can say with first hand knowledge, no it does not! It is eaten really (really) fast!!!
3. My parents split the party mix equally between my brother’s and I which I have often thought to be unfair since our house of 4 devours our portion in less than 12 hours. My boys have asked for the party mix for their birthdays but it is only made once a year.
4. Finally, I am adding to my Christmas Wish List biscotti, although Santa may receive party mix from my parents, I would like to enjoy their biscotti too. We usually receive an assortment of flavors perfect for dipping in coffee or hot cocoa (not to mention I will be out of party mix within 12 hours and it would be nice to have another family tradition in the freezer hiding)
Merry Christmas!
Marisa Franca Stewart says
Dearest Daughter!! You will be getting additional goodies to enjoy with your coffee/hot cocoa/ Christmas tea. Nothing makes an Italian mother happier than hearing that the goodies are enjoyed. 🥰🥰🥰
Kelly Anthony says
Looks like Santa is in for a yummy treat! This is such a cute idea and I love the letter you included!
Chef Dennis says
I bet Santa Claus will love this Spicy Party Mix and Ranch Oyster Crackers! It looks really delicious and I will definitely won’t be able to stop myself from eating!
Sylvia says
Marisa, I made this for our family get together this year, and it was delicious! Thanks for the recipe and for linking up with us at the #BloggingGrandmothersLinkParty End of the Year party!
Dee | Grammy's Grid says
Thank you Marisa for linking up with us at the #BloggingGrandmothers End of the Year Link Party 2018! Party ends January 5, links are unlimited so feel free to add more!
Sylvia Lance says
Yummy! This looks so delicious! My grandmother used to make a Chex Mix like this!
Jenni LeBaron says
I love party mixes like this. There’s something about them that makes me think of holidays when I was a little girl. I love that you’ve zipped this one up with a bit of cayenne and tabasco for an excellent kick.
Veena Azmanov says
I love snacks and this looks so perfect. I think this would be gone instantly at a party. Love the oyster crackers. The best part is that it’s spicy. Can’t wait to try this.
Mahy Elamin says
Wow, what is a wonderful and cute idea. I really like it. And of course I want to try this cute snack. Thank you for sharing and I am pinning this recipe for later!
Michelle says
I love making homemade party mixes, they are the best! I usually make them right around christmas
Karyl Henry says
What a great idea to leave this for Santa instead of cookies! I try not to have these kinds of party mixes in the house, because I have no self-control and would eat the whole batch myself 🙂
Noel Lizotte says
I need a recipe like this for Christmas exchange gifts … thanks! I’ll be making a huge batch, packaging it up and giving it away!
Lauren Vavala | DeliciousLittleBites says
Wow! This recipe really does feed a crowd! I haven’t had a snack mix or oyster crackers in so long. They both remind me so much of my childhood! Yet another treat I HAVE to share with my kids!!
Claudia Lamascolo says
What a great snack this is . My husband Italian grandmother made them and grampa used to eat them by the handfuls. I haven’t tried them I knew it had a ranch flavors now I can make them in her memory with your recipe. I had forgotten about these thanks!
Debbie & George says
MERRY CHRISTMAS to you also! I already know the effort was worth it. Got the SPICY mix divided and boxed, but Jeremiah was stopping in, so I kept a small bowl out for him. He loves the SPICY mix!
We haven’t shared the crackers yet, unless I make another batch 🙂 George s enjoying both.
Blessings!
Debbie & George says
Well, the only 5 gallon bucket I could find smells a bit FISHY. Of course George wouldn’t let me have his bait bucket. I made some PLAIN for us tender-mouth wimps, and the SPICY for my sons. Hopefully we will still have some for our trip this weekend. George is ready for a snack!
Thank you for sharing your creativity with us. We enjoy your stories!!
Marisa Franca says
Hello, Debbie & George!! Luckily we have a bucket that is not used for fishing — we save it only for party mix. It’s even got the recipe written on it. When we go to the great beyond we’ll have to will it to one of the kids. 🙂 Have a Merry Christmas!!Love and hugs!
dixya @ food, pleasure, and health says
what an adorable ideas!!! who says santa cant have savory snacks right?
Marisa Franca says
Absolutely — Santa does like his savory snack too. And we don’t want Mrs. Claus to have to sew him a larger suit. 🙂
Neli @ Delicious Meets Healthy says
What a great party mix for the holidays!! Looks delicious!
Marisa Franca says
Thank you it is great for the holidays. For parties you have plenty for sharing!!
Platter Talk says
Thanks for this great holiday party idea! We’ll be putting this together for our family Christmas!
Marisa Franca says
I hope you enjoy it. Our daughter’s family already went through it — we have two very healthy growing grandsons!!
Joy @ Joy Love Food says
My family makes a similar snack mix every year too, it is always a big hit. Both of these sound wonderful, I will have to give the ranch oyster crackers a try!
Marisa Franca says
My mother-in-law gave me that recipe and it is so very easy to make. We love the taste and it isn’t any trouble at all to throw it together.
Ciao Florentina says
Great idea and so much fun to do with the kids ! I love the letter to Santa 🙂
Marisa Franca says
Thank you! I think Mrs. Santa was the most appreciative 🙂
Bintu | Recipes From A Pantry says
Man, I could do with a big bowl of this right now.
Marisa Franca says
I wish I could send you some — perhaps next time. Right now it is divvied up between three families and the one with the older grandsons have gone through it like a vacuum cleaner. Gone! Finito! Consumed! It is that good.
Helen @ Fuss Free Flavours says
I love the idea of tarted up snacks! Makes a change from the same old, same old that everybody serves.
Marisa Franca says
I do too. Love to perk up those tastebuds 🙂
nazima says
ooh what a great snack mix! bookmarking this for my next holiday party
Marisa Franca says
Believe me you’ll have plenty!! If you have any left over it stores well.
Claudia | Gourmet Project says
santa is going to be so thankful! great idea!
Marisa Franca says
To tell you the truth, I think Mrs. Claus was the more thankful. She has to watch that jolly old gentleman like a hawk 🙂
Lesley says
This is an awesome idea! Very cute to set up with little ones. I don’t have much of a sweet tooth so if I were Santa, I would definitely appreciate this 🙂
Thanks for sharing!
Marisa Franca says
Well, we thought Santa probably wanted something a little different. We would have left him a beer, pretzels and cheese but since he’s driving we thought it wouldn’t be wise. 🙂
Michelle says
We were the lucky recipients of 2 BIG containers and in less than a week it is gone. One container was hidden for 24 hours but sniffed out and consumed within hours. Boys do not understand the concept of ration!
Marisa Franca says
Oh but we love making it for them!! How are the pretzels and cheese holding up?? We’ve got biscotti coming next. BTW — where was the hiding place for the party mix?
Jovina Coughlin says
What a great snack mix, Marisa. Something for everyone. I am having a new year’s Day party and I am going to add your snack mix to the menu.
Marisa Franca says
The nice part about it Jovina is that you’ll enough left over to send home with the some of the guests — unless you want to keep it for family snacks. It will last quite a while — unless you have nibblers in the family. Let me know how you like it.
Susie and Gary says
DELICIOUS! You’re right, Marisa, this is addictive…..can’t stop eating once you start nibbling. Another happy tradition for your family…..reminds me of mom and dad making peanut brittle every Christmas?
Marisa Franca says
Hi Susie!!! I sure do remember the pounds and pounds of peanut brittle your mom and dad used to make. I think they provided the entire town with some sort of treats. I’ve never met such giving souls; we miss them a lot. They sure were loved!!
Reid says
This is the first year Brayden really got the palate for the test of the Stewart Party Mix. He only picks around a select few nuts.
Marisa Franca says
Before you know it he’ll be graduating to our hot pasta sauces 🙂
Rosemary says
Hi Marisa, very cute, I love the letters. I also love the spicy party mix. I brought a few bags back with me from Canada and now that they are almost finished I am going to make this recipe. You have no idea how much I love this stuff. Thanks.
Marisa Franca says
It is so addictive! My hubby will go by the bucket and grab a handful — I try to avoid it! My gosh it is so good that once I start on it I can’t stop.