State fairs and chili snack mix

You gotta love state fairs. The sites, sounds, smells and atmosphere make them a must-see. At the 2012 Iowa State Fair, this chili snack mix won the award for the best overall snack mix.

 

This chili-snack mix is an outstanding combination of salty, sweet and spicy, but not too salty, sweet and spicy. It gets rave reviews whenever I take it somewhere. Enjoy this for your next tailgate or football viewing party.

I like to print a sign to put near the snack mix so people aren't surprised when they bite into it. Feel free to print this sign if you wish.

2012 Iowa State Fair Chili Snack Mix (my version)

1 package (16 oz) corn chips
1 package Cheez-its
1 package crunchy Cheetos
1 can nuts
1 Cup (2 sticks) butter
½  Cup packed brown sugar
1 Tablespoon Garlic Powder
1 ½  Tablespoon Chili Powder
½  teaspoon baking soda

STEPS

In a large bowl, combine chips, nuts, pretzels, and crackers.

Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, bring butter, brown sugar, garlic powder, and chili powder to a boil. Remove butter mixture from heat. Stir in baking soda. Pour over snack mixture and toss to coat.

Transfer spiced snack mixture to 2 greased (jelly roll type) baking sheets. Bake at 350F for 10-12 min, or until lightly toasted. Allow snack mix to cool completely before storing in an airtight container.

The first time I made this, I bought name brand stuff. After that, I bought  Aldi’s brand of each item and saved a significant amount of money.

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