Holiday gatherings seem to multiply this time of year, and invitations to parties arrive from every direction. I enjoy hosting casual get-togethers at my house—simple snacks, good conversation, and a relaxed atmosphere. I’m a big fan of appetizer buffets and dessert tables. They let guests sample a variety of flavors without the formality of a sit-down meal.
For many occasions I prefer an appetizer-and-dessert approach over a full formal dinner. It’s more social, less stressful to prepare, and allows everyone to nibble their way through the evening. If you come to my house, there’s a good chance we’ll be grazing from a spread of small bites rather than sitting down to a plated entrée.
This chili-spiced snack cracker mix is fast to prepare and full of flavor—perfect for satisfying munchies at a party. The recipe uses a packaged spice envelope you can find in most grocery aisles (the kind sold for gravies, soups, and meatloaf). I used a chili-flavored packet for a warm, savory profile.
If you prefer more heat, add crushed red pepper, cayenne, or a few dashes of hot sauce. If you want a milder result, use half the spice packet; the brand I used was fairly mild even when the whole packet was included.
Ingredients
8 tablespoons butter or margarine
1 envelope (about 1.5 oz) chili spice powder
1 package (12 oz) oyster crackers
1/2 package (12 oz) chow mein noodles
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Melt the butter in a small pan on the stove or in a microwave-safe bowl. Stir the chili spice packet into the melted butter until well combined. In a large bowl, combine the oyster crackers and chow mein noodles. Pour the spiced butter over the mixture and stir with a wooden spoon until all pieces are evenly coated.
Spread the coated crackers and noodles in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Bake at 350°F for about 10 minutes, watching carefully so they don’t burn. Remove from the oven, let cool, and serve.
Approximate Nutrition Information: Servings Per Recipe: 12. Per serving: Calories: 341; Fat: 19 g; Cholesterol: 8 mg; Sodium: 527 mg; Total Carbohydrates: 37 g; Protein: 5 g.
Make it a Meal: These crackers are ideal for family game night, New Year’s Eve, or as a crunchy side to soups and salads. They’re easy to serve from a bowl and disappear quickly at parties.
Variations: Stir in slivered almonds, small pretzels, or additional small crackers for extra texture. To reduce sodium, choose unsalted crackers and a low-sodium or no-salt spice mix.
This snack is dangerously moreish—I found it necessary to portion some into small bags to avoid eating the entire batch in one sitting. That said, if you’re entertaining a crowd or feeding teenagers, you probably won’t have leftovers!
For a simple homemade gift, fill a Mason jar with the snack mix, tie a ribbon around the top, and add a tag. It makes a thoughtful neighbor, teacher, or coworker gift. Alternatively, assemble the dry ingredients in a basket with a printed recipe card so the recipient can bake their own fresh batch.
If you’re interested in the cookbooks pictured, they are available from the author.