No Ordinary Snack Mix – Tex Chex Popcorn Mix!

Many many years ago, my husband (then boyfriend) and I went on a spring break trip to Daytona.  No, we did not go to party on the beach, I was actually meeting some of his family for the first time – this has no bearing on the post, just background info.  Anyhow after going to a really really fun restaurant called The Dancing Avocado, we happened upon a used book store.  As we wandered around I made my way into the cookbook section (of course).  There I found one of the strangest yet best cookbooks!!!!  That is if you like popcorn.

Who Knew!? A Popcorn Cookbook. What a great title eh! For Popcorn Lovers Only. I can’t get over the giant pink bow in her hair!

This book is full of some of the most bizzare combinations of popcorn and other snack foods and spices and herbs!  The author, who apparently used to be an actress/song writer, Diane Pfeifer… anyone?, she writes a highly entertaining and strange cookbook!

Wow! Here is a taste of the 10 Commandments of Popcorn!

So many recipes! So little time!

From the 10 commandments of popcorn to eggnog popcorn, really how can you not love this!!  The illustrations are also a riot.

We have used this book many times over and really have not been disappointed yet!

Here is my take on one recipe from the book.

Tex Chex Popcorn Mix

2 cups rice chex

3 cups pop corn

2 cups corn puff cereal (not corn pops/ plain puffs)

1 cup roasted peanuts

1 cup cashews

Mix together in a big oven proof bowl

Of course all of the above are completely changeable to what you have on hand.  You could use only popcorn if you wanted!

Heat oven to 300 degrees

mix together sauce 

1 Tbls olive oil

1 tsp – cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder

2 Tbls Ketchup

1 Tbls maple syrup

1/4 tsp liquid smoke

1 1/2 tsp salt (more to taste)

Together with a friend pour and mix the dry and wet together.  You need someone to mix while you pour trust me!!!

Mix thoroughly then place the bowl in the oven.

Bake 40 minutes –  stirring every 10 minutes

let cool – eat and store in an airtight container for future snacking!!

Today we used – Rice Chex, Corn puffs, popcorn, peanuts, and cashews for the base

Here is the sauce mixture. Tex Mex Popcorn Sauce. You could add some hot sauce or chipotle if you want it spicy.

You need a partner to do this without making a mess. Also use as big of a bowl as you can!

Cooled off and perfect for watching the Olympics!

Another hit! Yum!