These finger foods are easy to nibble and will be a delicious addition to your next party.
The best snacks at a party are sometimes the simplest—but no matter what, you want to be sure that guests can easily nibble on what you’re serving, whether they’re sitting, standing or mingling. And if you’re throwing a last-minute party, it’s always good to find simple appetizers to add to the menu, giving you more time to do a little last-minute cleaning or put together a playlist.
Caramel Snack Mix
This crisp mix is always a party pleaser. The sweet caramel coating adds just the right twist to a combination of nuts, pretzels, dried cranberries and two kinds of dry cereal.
PREP: 25 min STAND: Overnight
Nonstick cooking spray
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup butter
2 tablespoons light-color corn syrup
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
4 cups round toasted oat cereal
2 cups miniature pretzel twists
2 cups bite-size square corn cereal
2 cups almonds, cashews, or peanuts
1 cup dried cranberries or raisins (optional)
- Line two 15 x 10 x 1 inch baking pans with foil; coat foil with cooking spray. Set pans aside.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven combine brown sugar, butter, corn syrup and salt. Cook and stir over medium-high heat until mixture comes to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to medium; cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla and baking soda. Stir in oat cereal, pretzels, corn cereal, almonds and, if desired, cranberries until coated.
- Divide cereal mixture between the two prepared baking pans; cool. Break mixture apart into bite-size pieces. Transfer to sealable plastic bags or storage containers; seal or cover tightly. Let stand at room temperature overnight.
- Serve snack mix at room temperature.
Makes: 22 servings, ½ cup each
Per serving: 176 calories, 9g fat, 3 g sat fat, 3 g protein, 11 mg cholesterol, 23 g carbohydrate, 2 g fiber, 246 mg sodium.