Simple: Big Batch Parmesan Snack Mix

 Need a simple snack just slightly out of the ordinary? One that can serve a large group? Parmesan Snack Mix might be just what you're looking for! 

Here's how to make Parmesan Snack Mix:
(for a printable version of this recipe, click here.)

Mix together in a very large container. I used my huge 17X11 baking pan. (You will be baking the mix briefly so why not mix in a baking pan.) You could use two rimmed cookie sheets instead and just distribute the ingredients semi-evenly.

4 c. pretzels

6 c. corn square cereal

4 c. oyster crackers

2 c. broken pita crackers

12 oz. container peanuts

In the microwave or in a small pan on the stove melt together:
½ c. butter

½ c. olive oil

Stir in:

1 t. garlic powder

1 t. oregeno

1 t. basil

1 t. dried parsley

1 t. salt
Pour butter mixture over dry ingredients and mix gently. 

Sprinkle
1 ½-2 c. shredded parmesan cheese over mixture and gently mix again. 

Bake is a 350 degree oven for 10 minutes. Stir once more. Serve immediately or store in sealed container. A 2 1/2 gallon storage bag works perfectly. Makes about 35 servings.

Some notes about this recipe:

• I adapted this recipe from one I found on Look What Mom Found. If you are looking for a smaller sized recipe, you may want to check it out. Or halve the recipe above.
• Next time I make this I think I will include Bugles, those fun bugle shaped snacks, instead of the pita crackers and maybe replace the corn squares with rice squares. This is a very adaptable recipe.

I served Parmesan Snack Mix recently when it was my turn to bring treats at work.

 In addition to the Snack Mix, I served:

• Cinnamon Rolls (sorry, no recipe yet)
• Red Pepper Honey Jam over cream cheese with assorted crackers
• Big Batch Crockpot Hot Chocolate with Pepperminty Marshmallows

A Birthday Bash in the Breakroom

How are birthdays celebrated at your workplace? At the school where I work we draw names at the beginning of the school year and then bring treats for the birthday person on or around their special day. We bring a nice selection of treats, clear off a corner on the big table in the break room and everyone digs in.  Its a great system, but there's a bit of a "feast or famine" element as there are sometimes weeks between celebrations or as is the case in October, great feasting, as quite a few birthdays are packed one after another in just a few weeks. This was a banner week as I both celebrated my birthday with yummy goodies brought by a dynamic language arts teacher and got to bring treats for one of our outstanding math teachers. Here are some of the things I brought:
 

 Cereal Mix

12.5 ounce box Rice Chex (sometimes I use Crispex)
12 ounce can salted peanuts,
 2 ounce package dried cranberries (about a cup or more if you like)
16 ounce package Almond Bark candy coating (might not need all of it)

Pour Rice Chex, peanuts and cranberries into a very large bowl or pan. Melt candy coating according to directions. Pour over mixture and stir until coated. Serve when coating has hardened.

Maple Sugar Fruit Dip
8 oz. cream cheese, softened
2/3-1 cup brown sugar
2-3 tablespoon real maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
Mix together. Give it a few minutes for the sugar to dissolve. Serve at room temperature with apples and pears.



The birthday girl likes chocolate and is partial to Almond Joy candy bars. This is a great recipe that includes both chocolate and coconut as well as a cream cheese topping.

 German Chocolate Coffee Cake

Mix well with an electric mixer:
1 box Swiss or German Chocolate cake mix (I use any chocolate cake mix)
2 eggs, beaten
1 stick butter, melted
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup shredded coconut
Spread above into a greased 9X13 pan.

Combine the following and spread over the top of the chocolate mixture:
2 eggs, beaten
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 pound powdered sugar (about 4 cups)
Bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes. Cool. Sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving.
Serves about 20. Very rich!
Source: Among Friends with Heart and Soul

Roasted Pepper Dip 

You'll find this recipe on an earlier post.  Serve with crackers.