Crack Mix aka Homemade Bits and Bites

I love snack food.  "Bits and Bites" or "Nuts and Bolts", however you know them, they seem like they’d be so easy to make.  It’s basically cereal, pretzels and cheese bits spiced up.  I really didn’t like the cheese flavoured either and prefer to have them with a little more kick.  This is the perfect blend of sweet, salty, buttery and spicy that I like.  I call this “Crack Mix” because it’s so darn addictive.  

Crack Mix

Crack Mix

Makes 13 cups

2 cups Gold fish Crackers or Mini Ritz Crackers

6 cups Multigrain Cheerios

6 cups Shreddies

2 cups Pretzels

1 cup Butter 

2 tbsp Worchestershire sauce

1½ tsp Chili Powder (regular kind)

1 tsp Hot Chilly Powder *see note

1½ tsp Garlic Powder

1½ tsp Onion Powder

1½ tsp Table Salt

1. Measure out Goldfish, Cheerios, Shreddies and Pretzels into a very large       bowl or pot.  Set aside.
2. Melt butter in 4 cup measuring cup or equal size bowl.  Add the rest of ingredients and stir well.
3. (It's much easier if you have someone helping you).  Toss cereals etc. while slowly pouring the butter mixed in.
4. Spread mixture evenly on 2 large baking trays.  
5. Place in 250℉ oven.  Bake for 2 hours stirring every 30 or so minutes rotating pans if needed.  I turn off the oven and leave overnight to ensure it's completely dry.

 Enjoy!

* Hot Chili Powders range from sort of mild to very spicy.  The brand I use is very spicy 'Chilly Powder Ex Hot Indian Nikita' found at Oceans but you can use what variety you like.  Cut down or omit if you don't like a spicy mix.

By the way, feel free to swap out the cereals for whatever you have on hand but I feel the Multigrain Cheerios are much better in this recipe than the regular.  You'll miss out on that hint of sweetness.