White Chocolate Chex Mix: Our Favorite Christmas Candy
November 14, 2019
I make a White Chocolate Chex Mix every single year during the holiday season. Try this amazing (and easy) sweet holiday snack!
Last night we decorated the holiday tree. Yes, on a Monday night.
Why? Because with four teens, it was the only time we could all be together to do it.
During our loud Christmas music, decoration hanging, ongoing debate over whose ornament belonged to whom, one child shouted, “This is tradition, Mommy! We all have to be here!”
I suspect that “this is tradition, Mommy” will carry through the holiday season, as it has every year before.
Christmas Candy Recipes: A Part of the Holidays
From prime rib and twice-baked potatoes on Christmas Eve to egg and sausage casserole (with Mimosas for mom and dad) on Christmas morning, the food traditions in the Castle house will march on.
[Read: My Favorite Holiday Treats to Make for My Family]
I shall not forget the Christmas candy recipe, the Potica (a Slovic coffee cake my Mom used to make) or the hollandaise sauce, either.
I shall not. I will not. I dare not change the menu.
I would be called the Grinch who stole the Christmas food tradition!
Even the opening of gifts has a procedure (one at a time, so we can all ooh and aah at each other’s goodies).
So does the attire (a day in pajamas).
From ornaments and decor to when we set up and take down the fanfare, our holiday is loaded with big and little traditions, and these have taken on their own momentum. Or over time, they have lost their luster.
Attracted to Holiday Traditions
Experts say it’s the predictability, the belonging to something greater than oneself, and the stability of tradition that draws kids in.
It’s often pointed out that traditions can also teach values, like waiting for your turn, taking the time to appreciate a gift that has been given to you, or doing something for others in need.
And they’re a good platform for practicing good manners.
The good news? Traditions can be started and modified at any time–and we’ve done our fair share of that!
As you might imagine, holiday food is a big tradition in our home, and relishing those once a year indulgent foods is something to which we all look forward.
[What do you do for Santa and his reindeer? Try these 15 Dietitian-Approved Christmas Cookies for Santa]
I appreciate the holiday traditions when I talk with my siblings and they are all making the same food I am!
Much of my menu is an extension of my mother’s menu during the holidays. (I added the mimosa’s…)
I know other families have traditions around serving others, exercising on the holiday, gift giving, and more.
Here’s one holiday treat I never omit.
Everyone asks for the recipe, so I am breaking my silence!
How to Make White Chocolate Chex Mix
One of the things I love most about this white Christmas trash recipe, is how easy it is to make.
All of my kids know how to make this recipe, and frequently help me do it.
I make 5 or 6 batches of it during the holidays, so I need the help!
This candy is great at parties, as a teacher’s gift, and freezes great.
Don’t stop with Christmas!
You can change out the chocolate candies and make this for Easter, Valentine’s Day, Halloween and more!
White Chocolate Chex Mix
White chocolate coats this blend of peanuts, pretzels, rice cereal, oat cereal and chocolate-covered candy. It's a definite party-pleaser!
Ingredients
- 5 cups Cheerios (or other oat-O cereal)
- 5 cups Rice Chex (or similar)
- 5 cups waffle pretzels
- 2 cups lightly salted cocktail peanuts
- 2 cups plain holiday-themed M&M’s
- 2 bags of Ghirardelli white chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon of canola oil
Instructions
Mix the first 5 ingredients in a large bowl.
Slowly melt the white chocolate chips and oil over very low heat, stirring constantly to prevent burning (alternatively, melt the chocolate and oil together in a glass bowl over a simmering water bath).
Pour the chocolate over the cereal mix and toss with the white chocolate until cereal, nuts, pretzels and M&M’s are covered with chocolate.
Pour the mixture out onto wax paper and let dry (I like to spread out the mix but still keep it in chunks).
Notes
Let the mix dry for about 20 minutes, then break it into chunks. You can freeze this in freezer bags -- it keeps very well and doesn't get stale this way.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 24 cups Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 298Total Fat: 12gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 35mgSodium: 343mgCarbohydrates: 40gFiber: 1gSugar: 14gProtein: 6g
This is an estimation of nutritional content.
Warning: it is very hard to stop eating this once you start!
A White Candy Theme
During the holidays and New Year’s festivities, you may want to add this white candy to a snow theme, or a monochromatic party theme.
Remember, you can always change the M & M color scheme to reflect different holidays, too!
What food traditions have you started with your family?
Jill Castle, MS, RD
I like empowering parents to help their children and teens thrive at every size with realistic advice centered on healthful habits around food, feeding, nutrition and health behaviors. As a pediatric dietitian and author, my goal is to share strategies and realistic advice to help you raise a healthy and happy child through my articles and podcast.