During the holidays I love bringing homemade treats as a hostess gift. And there are a zillion options for choices! My favorite type of thing, though, is a snack mix. But not a chex mix type thing, that’s been done. Something more interesting, something with different textures and flavors. Something a little sassy!

Lately I have been using miso for many things. Of course the ever loved miso glazed salmon or chicken thighs, a dollop of miso mixed into a pasta sauce and now, why not add to a crunchy snack mix? Making it gluten free is usually a safe bet for a hostess gift as many people are gluten free. And, to be honest, nobody would even thing twice about this being gluten free or not because it’s just so darn tasty!!

The mixture of sweet from the honey, savory from the miso and then a little bit of mellow heat from the Korean chili flake is such an interesting blend that everyone will love! The cloudies give it a fun little crunchy pillow, the cereal is extra crispy, the nuts are nice and toasted (if you have a nut allergy simply sub pumpkin seeds or plantain chips) and there is so much more depth from the rest of the ingredients.

I hope you love this as much as I do and add to your rotation. It’s been at every one of my parties so far this year!

Merry Merry and Happy Holidays!

xo,

Kendra

Sweet and Spicy Snack Mix

Gluten Free, Dairy Free adaptable

Prep Time: 15 minutes plus baking

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 1 box plain Cloudies, each torn into 6-7 pieces
• 1 c. crispy rice cereal squares
• 1 c. favorite nuts such as pecans or cashews
• 3 Tbsp. unsalted butter (or favorite vegan butter for dairy free)
• 1 Tbsp. olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, grated or pushed through garlic press
• 3 Tbsp. honey
• 2 Tbsp. white miso paste OR 1 Tbsp. gluten free tamari
• 1 Tbsp. raw sesame seeds
• 3 Tbsp. nutritional yeast
• 2 Tbsp. Korean chili flakes (they aren’t as spicy as regular chili flakes) OR 1 Tbsp. chili spice blend OR ½ tsp. chipotle powder
• 2 tsp. sea salt

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 300. Place the torn Cloudies on a baking tray and bake for 25 minutes until somewhat dried out.
2. Add the dried Cloudies to a large mixing bowl. Add the crispy rice cereal squares and the nuts.
3. In a small saucepan heat the butter, olive oil and garlic for 5 minutes until it’s simmering.
4. Add the honey and the white miso paste or tamari. Whisk until blended for about a minute.
5. Pour the butter mixture over the Cloudies mixture and gently toss with a large spoon.
6. Sprinkle the sesame seeds over and toss again.
7. Pour on a parchment lined baking sheet and bake at 300 for 25 minutes, stir and bake another 10-15 until golden brown, fragrant and toasted.
8. In a small bowl whisk together the nutritional yeast, choice of chili powder and sea salt.
9. Immediately pour back into the mixing bowl and add the bowl of spices and gently toss to combine. (if you toss this on the sheet tray you’ll lose a lot of the seasoning).
10. Pour back onto the sheet tray to spread out and cool completely.
11. Store in an airtight container for 3-4 days.