Reindeer Food (aka White Chocolate Party Mix)

A long time ago I was working in an office at Christmas time and a co-worker brought in gifts of "Reindeer Food."  It was a huge hit with everyone in the office, and I couldn't wait to make my own holiday version of trail mix.  This recipe for Reindeer Food is a combination of Rice Chex, Corn Chex, Cheerios, mini-pretzels, nuts, and M&Ms, all mixed together in a giant bowl or pot and then coated with melted white chocolate, which once distrubted and cooled looks like snow.  You can also add craisins, chocolate chips, miniature marshmallows, dried fruit--whatever you want to make this mix your own.  I like to pack a Mason jar full of Reindeer Food and tie a pretty ribbon around the lid.  It makes a colorful and very much appreciated gift.  Now that I have two little grandsons, we may be sprinkling a little bit of reindeer food outside on Christmas Eve, because Dancer and Prancer and all their friends will probably be ready for a snack by the time they arrive our house!

Reindeer Food

3 c. Rice Chex
3 c. Corn Chex
3 c. Cheerios
10 oz. package of miniature pretzels
2-3 cups of your favorite nuts (I like walnut and pecan pieces)
12 oz. - 1lb. bag of M&Ms (use holiday M&Ms if available)
Anything else you want to throw into the mix.

In extra large bowl or pot, stir together all the ingredients listed above.  Set aside.


"Snow"

2  12-14 oz. bags White Chocolate Chips, or white candy-making wafers. You can also  use white-vanilla chips. 

2 tbsp. vegetable oil

In a double boiler, or another large bowl set over a pot of simmering water (or in the microwave following package directions), melt two bags of white chocolate morsels with 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, stirring until completely melted.  Make sure the bottom of the bowl does not touch the boiling water and that no water gets into the melting pot -- it can seize up the chocolate beyond repair.   When completely melted, pour white coating over cereal mixture, stirring very thoroughly until it is evenly distributed and the trail mix looks like it's been coated in snow.  Spread out on cookie sheets, foil, or wax or parchment paper until cooled.  Pack in containers.

Photo credit:  tasteofhome.com