New Mexico Trail Mix in a Jar

Dib's's Note:

Recipe posted by request.

• Total Time: 1 hrs 10 mins
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 1 hrs

Ingredients:

Yield: 7.5 cups

• 1 ½ cups pecan halves
• 1 cup cashews
• 1 cup pistachios
• ½ cup pine nuts
• ½ cup roasted sunflower seeds
• 3 cups bite sized cheese nips
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ cup chili sauce
• 1 chipotle chile in adobo (3-4 inch)
• 1 tablespoon frozen orange juice concentrate
• cooking spray
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 300°F.
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly spray with nonstick cooking spray.
3. Combine the nuts, seeds, and cheese nips in a large bowl.
4. Combine the butter, cumin and garlic powder in a microwaveable cup.
5. Microwave on high for 30-45 seconds or until butter is melted.
6. Place the chili sauce, chipotle, orange juice concentrate and butter mixture into a blender or food processor.
7. Blend until smooth.
8. Pour sauce over nut mixture, stirring to coat.
9. Spread mixture in a single layer on prepared baking sheet.
10. Bake for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes.
11. Remove from oven and sprinkle with the cayenne pepper if using.
12. Let cool before packing into jars or containers.

Reviews

[venus2]

We added quite a bit more cayenne to get more kick. This makes a great gift basket item.

[FloridaNative]

I made this for my DH as a gift, leaving out the chipotle chili (personal preference) and adding instead 1 tsp of smoked paprika ~ he loved it and so did I. Spicy, smokey and a touch of sweetness :) I added the crackers (I used cheddar goldfish crackers) half-way through the baking time, to prevent burning, and they still coated well. This is going to be a new snack mix for our family ~ easy to make and oh so good. Thanks DiB's ~ made for LET'S PARTY TAG, December 2009!

[Colorado Lauralee]

My family loves this recipe! I had to make 2 batches so that I have some for Holiday snacking. It was initially a little frightening when I checked it after the baking time..........it was quite dark, almost looked burned. But not to worry, it tastes great! Thanks for the recipe!