Need a Favorite Savory Snack?

It began the first Christmas after I met my husband. A favorite savory snack. My first real understanding of Christmas traditions. I had never had big Christmases. Not lots of food or goodies or baking took place at our house.

No savory snacks. Or Christmas cookies. No candy.

Unless you count that ribbon candy stuff or hard candy that my Dad picked up at the grocery store.

Instead we had oranges. A bowl of nuts with a nutcracker bowl. That was it. It probably stemmed from the fact that my Dad grew up without. Without a lot. A father who left when he was 8. A home that was less than. Lots of siblings and a single working Mom.

I’m sure to him, that bowl of nuts and ribbon candy and oranges were way over the top. And it’s what reminds me of my Christmases.

On the other hand, a wonderland of Christmas hit me full on when I joined my husband’s family.

His Mom was a traditionalist.

You know. Someone who creates the same fabulous recipes each year for her family for the holidays. I was in awe. And this recipe was the one that drew me in. I had to follow suit. Join the league of bakers. Make these every year.

Now like all bakers, I have tweaked this recipe over the years. Hers had wheat chex and corn chex in them. And after seeing that no one in our family liked those, I simply removed them and added in more of the rice chex to the mix.

Because you know, we all have our favorite parts. There are those who love the rice chex. Some are cheerios fans. A few are nut lovers. While, others are pretzel hounds. Maybe that happens at your house, too.

The container is perhaps the most important of the process. You see. We inherited her roasting pan. The one she always used. And another memorable part of this tradition was how to serve them.

Hers were always in a glass jar.

So, mine were placed into a jar.

Glass jar. Check.

The jar I began using was a wedding gift. I can’t believe it’s still with us. But it is. And in goes the mix. Every. Single. Year. Never fear, you can find one here.

Whether feet are under my table or not this year, these have been made. They are ready and waiting for those who love them.

I’m sure if you make them, you will make them your own. I’ve already seen various names and ingredients shared on social media. Some with cheese crackers; a few with small round pretzels; others with other additions.

For me, this is the one that lingers. Added to my favorite recipes. Added to my recipe collection. A recipe book I have shared. Or in my file. It’s the one that is the tradition.

My son and daughter in love have already been through one batch since Thanksgiving. Now on to round two for them!

See what I mean?

Traditions.

Maybe that’s what all of us need more of this year. Comforting. A bit of normalcy in with the mix. The familiar.

Hope you are making and baking things that are special reminders of that for your family.

Happy getting ready for Christmas, friends!

***Affiliate links included. See my disclosure policy.