Sweet and spicy snack mix (aka, snack crack)

One bite of this sweet and spicy snack mix -- made with nuts, pretzels and a spicy maple glaze -- and you'll know why we call it snack crack.

Here's hoping you had a great Thanksgiving and are eating a kick-ass turkey sandwich on Black Friday buns while you're reading this post.

I'm so excited to share this sweet and spicy snack mix with you that I'm practically bouncing up and down in my chair. This stuff is freakin' awesome! So awesome, in fact, that Mr. Ninj told me last week that this snack mix is his “favorite food in the entire world, ever.” Seriously. You will not be able to stop eating it, which is why it has been dubbed "snack crack" at Casa de Ninj.

Today, I'm also sharing the recipe for this ahhhhhhh-mazing snack mix over at A Southern Fairytale, where Rachel is co-hosting the fourth annual Handmade Holidays extravaganza -- 30 full days of baking, crafting and sewing ideas from a fantastic group of bloggers.

I make a big batch of this mix every Christmas and we've started calling it “Snack Crack” because of how addictive it is. You will not be able to stop eating this stuff.

So if you want to give a home-baked gift this holiday season that a sure-fire winner, I highly recommend you whip up some Snack Crack. I like to package it in Mason jars with a handmade label and some ribbon, but cute snack bags or gift boxes would work just as well.

Sweet and Spicy Snack Mix (Holiday Snack Crack)

(adapted from David Liebovitz)
Makes about 2 quart jars' worth of mix


Ingredients:
3 cups of raw nuts (I use pecans, cashews and whole almonds, but you can use whatever you like, as long as the nuts are untoasted)
1 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
4 1/2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
3 tablespoons maple syrup
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
3 cups small pretzel twists (the smaller, the better)

Directions:
Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Spread the nuts on a large baking sheet and toast for about 10 minutes (stir at least once).

In a bowl, whisk together the butter, sugar, cinnamon, pepper and maple syrup. Stir in the warm nuts, making sure they get well coated, then spinkle with the salt. Lastly, add the pretzels and give the whole mixture a good stir.

Spread the mix back onto the baking sheet and bake for about 15 minutes or until the nuts are toasted. Stir it a few times while baking to prevent everything from sticking together. Let the mixture cool completely on the pan and store in an airtight container (or package it up for gift-giving).

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