Vickey’s Party Mix

This savory party mix comes from my beloved mother in-law and you’re going to love it. We make it all December long and keep it on the counter for quick snacking!

I hit the mother in-law jackpot. If you know me then you’ve known this for a while. Vickey and I clicked immediately. If you hear her tell the story she’ll say that when David first told his family we were dating she referred to me as “that girl” to everyone until we met and then she immediately starting referring to me as “my Chrissy”. I think this means I’m irresistible.

In all seriousness I love her so much. She’s been so good to me and to my kids. We look forward to her visits. She’s one of those grandmothers who is happy to play any game at any time. And when the kids are in school she’s basically my playmate! We run errands together, cook together, and always have fun. When I was working on my cookbook she flew here to spend several days helping me test recipes. I just adore her truly.

The recipe I’m sharing today is one ya’ll have been clamoring for since I first showed it to you last December. This is Vickey’s Party Mix and, friend, it’s a Christmas season must. In fact David says it’s not the holidays until the party mix has been made.

This version has just a smidge more worcestershire sauce and butter (or ghee or vegan butter, whatever your preference) than Vickey’s original recipe. David’s a big flavor guy so this is how we’ve discovered over the years that we like it best. We like it so much we make it 5 or 6 times during the month of December! I keep it in festive Christmas tins on the counter so it’s always available and everyone grabs it by the handful. I hope you’ll make this part of your Christmas tradition too! And thank you, Vickey, for allowing me to share this deliciousness here!

For this recipe you’ll need (full list of ingredients and instructions are in the recipe card below):

• Crispix
• Pretzels
• Nuts
• Butter, ghee, or vegan butter
• Worcestershire sauce
• Garlic salt
• Salt

What nuts are best to use?

Any salted nuts will work! Vickey often uses peanuts but I prefer cashews (my son has a peanut allergy). Either option is delicious! You could even use a mix of different kinds if you like.

What pretzels are best to use?

I prefer pretzel sticks because they’re easy to break in half before baking and I like the overall look of them in the finished snack mix. If I can’t find them I use mini pretzels. You’ll be happy with either!

Can you use chex cereal instead of crispix?

We strongly prefer Crispix in this party mix but you could sub 2 cups each of wheat, bran, corn, and rice Chex if you prefer.

Can this be dairy free and vegan?

Yes, just be sure to use a vegan butter like Earth Balance Organic Whipped Buttery Spread (my favorite) and a vegan worcestershire sauce (here’s a list that will help with that).

Can this be gluten free?

Crispix contains gluten and so does Wheat Chex but you can use 4 cups of Rice Chex and 4 cups of Corn Chex to keep this party mix gluten free.

Several brands of worcestershire sauce are gluten free including French’s Worcestershire Sauce and Lea & Perrin’s Worcestershire Sauce (in the US). Look for gluten free on the label to be sure you purchase one that works for your diet.

How to store this party mix

Store in airtight containers on the countertop. I like the large festive tins you find everywhere during the holidays for cookies. They’re so fun and perfect for this!

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