TRY IT, YOU'LL LIKE IT! (Maybe)

I have one of those cookbooks that calls out to you to start at page one and make everything in it:  Gifts from the Christmas Kitchen.   Doing my best to stay away from the back of the book (the very sweet & chocolatey end) I came across this intriguing Snack Mix.  I liked it.  It is growing on some of the others who have tried it.   I think Nathan and his game friends would gobble it up in a minute. 

MEXICALI CRUNCH

4 c. corn flakes                                                   

3 c. corn or tortilla chips (plain kind)             

1 c. roasted peanuts
2 quarts popped corn
1/2 c. margarine or butter
1/2 c. Karo light or dark corn syrum
1/4 c. brown sugar
1 pkg. (1.25 oz.) Taco seasoning mix
     Preheat oven to 250.  In a large roasting pan combine corn flakes, popped corn, corn chips and peanuts.

     In med. saucepan combine margarine, corn syrup, brown sugar and taco seasoning.  Bring to a boil over med. heat, stirring constantly.  Pour over corn flake mixture, tossing to coat well.

     Bake 60 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes.  Cool, stirring frequently.  Store in tightly covered container.

For a Texicali version, substitute 5 T. of chili seasoning mix for the taco seasoning.

(Will post a picture when I get my camera back from Becky's house.)

Part II of Cooking at Christmas:

     Victor had me put together goody trays for his Counselors and all the auxiliary heads of MonteBello Ward.   I like variety but have turned into a simplicity freak.  The Friend Magazine published a recipe several years ago that is WAY cool!   For great and simple Pumpkin Cookies take one Spice Cake Mix, blend together with one 15 oz.can of  Pumpkin (plain, not Pumpking pie mix).  Add as many or as few chocolate chips as you want and for those who like nuts, add in tons of Walnuts.    No eggs, oil or water!   What could be simpler????   Bake on ungreased cookie sheet for 6-8 minutes.  They freeze well and everyone so far has loved them.    Also good with Cinnamon Chips if you can still find those anywhere.