SWEET SALTY PEANUT-BUTTERY SNACK MIX
WATCH THE VIDEO ON KUTV2I love salted caramels, peanut butter and bittersweet chocolate….who doesn’t??? This recipe is a take on traditional Chex snack mix using healthier ingredients to make a snack mix that, while not low calorie is higher in fiber, protein and flavor than the regular mix. Traditionally prepared Caramel Chex mix is about 50% fat. By adding in the plain air popped popcorn, the high protein Kashi cereal, and reducing the caramel, chocolate and peanut butter used, the fat content is reduced to about 30%. The trick for me, however, is keeping the portion size in moderation!
SNACK MIX INGREDIENTS:
3 C Rice Chex cereal
3 C Kashi Go-Lean Crunch cereal
2 C pretzels, any variety
6 C Air popped popcorn
1 C peanuts
½ C pumpkin seeds
½ C coconut
CARAMEL INGREDIENTS:
1 stick Butter
1 C Brown sugar
¼ C kayro syrup
¼ t baking soda
CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER INGREDIENTS:
½ C chocolate chips
¼ C peanut butter
Large flake sea salt
Prepare snack mix:
Combine all snack mix ingredients in a large bowl. Line 2 sheet pans with parchment paper. Place 3 C of snack mix on each sheet pan, leaving the remainder in large bowl. Set aside.
Prepare caramel:
Combine butter, sugar and corn syrup together in a saucepan. Stir over medium high heat until mixture come to a boil. Cook for 2-3 minutes without stirring. Remove from heat and add baking soda and vanilla. Pour hot caramel over one of the reserved sheet pans of snack mix and toss lightly. Place in a preheated 250 degree oven and bake for 15-18 minutes. Remove from oven and sprinkle with sea salt. Cool.
Prepare chocolate peanut butter:
In a small skillet over low heat, melt chocolate chips and peanut butter. Stir frequently to completely combine. When melted, pour mixture over second reserved sheet pan of snack mix and sprinkle with sea salt. Set aside to cool.
Add cooled caramel and chocolate peanut butter snack mix to reserved snack mix in mixing bowl . Toss well. Store in an airtight container.
30 servings