Sweet and Spicy Snack Mix

Long ago there was a football team in Baltimore. And then there wasn’t. For a very long time. And people were bitter and angry. For a very long time.

There is irony in the tale of Baltimore’s football history. When our team was moved to another city, we the people became mightily indignant. How could he (the owner who still shall not be named) take the team, the franchise, the legend and lore and transplant that someplace else?  How could he? How DARE he?

Yes, we were angry for a very long time. Twelve years to be precise.

And then, and here’s where the irony comes in, Baltimore took another city’s team. We the conquered had become the conqueror. However, understanding the vitriol focused on the owner who still shall not be named, and the lawsuit that needed to be settled before he moved the team, Art Modell wisely chose the leave the identity and history of the Browns where it belonged, in Cleveland.

In 1996, the Ravens came to Baltimore. And the people once again had a team to cheer for. We’ve had winning years. We’ve had losing years. And we’ve had years we should have won but didn’t. This year it looked like we had a solid chance at another trip to the Super Bowl to go for a second Lombardy Trophy.

Hopeful optimism spread through the city. Fans donned their purple; the city was lit at night in hues of violet. And in what was to become the Raven’s final game of the season, I sat in front of the Tivo and watched the wheels come off the bus. The saving grace of the evening was the bottle of wine I was using to numb the excruciating pain of the second half in which they threw away their lead, and a enormous bowl of sweet and spicy snack mix I had whipped up to nibble on. Reaching for snack mix, or the bottle of wine, gave me something to do with my hands besides wring them in desperation as the minutes ticked away and the end of the season came into view.

I won’t lie. It was a painful loss. But out of the ashes of the 2010 Ravens season, Sweet and Spicy Snack Mix was born. It’s not quite the same thrill as having another Super Bowl win under our belts, but it’s better than nothing. We’ve had nothing.  And it tasted bitter and angry.

Sweet and Spicy Snack Mix

Inspired by My Morning Chocolate’s Adaptation of Cooking Light’s recipe.

BAH Note: I can’t eat popcorn or nuts so when Jen of MMC suggested substituting cereal, I knew I had to try this.  It’s sweet and salty and spicy…my perfect trifecta of flavors.  I initially thought this would make a great holiday hostess type gift packaged up in a nice big mason jar.  But learn from my experience.  Putting Sweet and Spicy Snack Mix in an airtight container is a sure recipe for soggy SSSM.  It needs to breathe.  Also, don’t be tempted to use the “butter” pretzels because they may be less expensive than plain old salted pretzels.  They will impart a fake, movie theater butter flavor to your mix.  And that’s just wrong.  Please remember that the spices can be used, or  not, in any combination.

• 2 cups pretzel squares (see note above)
• 2 cups each wheat, rice, and corn cereal squares (Chex or generic)
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1/3 cup maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon chili spice mix (preferably Penzey’s Chili 9000)
• 1/8 teaspoon ancho chili powder
• 1/8 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
• wee small dash of cayenne pepper

Line a half sheet pan with parchment or aluminum foil and set aside.  Combine the pretzels and cereal in a large bowl.  Use your hands to mix it well.

In a medium saucepan, combine the brown sugar, maple syrup, butter, salt, and spices.  Cook over a low flame until the butter and brown sugar is melted.  Taste for seasoning and add more sugar, spice, or salt as desired.

Once the flavor of the sauce is to your liking, increase the heat and bring to a boil.  Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly while the mixture bubbles furiously.  Carefully remove the pan from the heat and cool for 1 minute before adding the liquid to the cereal in several additions, stirring between each with a wood spoon or plastic spatula.  Remember, boiling sugar is molten hot.

Once the syrup has been mixed in to the cereal, spread the mixture into your prepared sheet pan and allow to cool for 5 minutes before digging in to the sweet spicy mix.

{printable recipe}