Knick-Knacks
Knick-Knacks are savory, crunchy snack mix combining cereals, peanuts, and pretzels coated in a flavorful Worcestershire and Tabasco sauce blend, perfect for parties or casual snacking.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix the Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco sauce, and melted shortening together.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the cereals, salted peanuts, and pretzel sticks.
- Mix well to evenly coat all ingredients.
- Spread the mixture in a large shallow pan.
- Bake at 200°F (93°C) for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, try incorporating a mix of your favorite nuts or seeds, such as almonds or sunflower seeds. You can also substitute the shortening with coconut oil for a different taste. If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the Tabasco sauce. Make sure to stir the mixture every 15 minutes during baking to ensure even crispiness, similar to the technique in Original Chex Party Mix (Microwave Recipe).
Serving Suggestions
Knick-Knacks make a fantastic snack for movie nights or game day gatherings. Serve them in a large bowl for sharing or portion them into small snack bags for on-the-go munching. They pair well with drinks like Old Kentucky Lemonade, making them a great choice for casual entertaining or picnics.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Knick-Knacks in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. This will help maintain their crunchy texture. If you'd like to reheat them, spread the mix on a baking sheet and warm in a 200°F (93°C) oven for about 10 minutes to refresh the crispness before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Knick-Knacks contains roughly 347 calories, with 5g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 31g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 601mg per serving (26% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of cereal?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute Kix, Rice Chex, or Cheerios with your favorite cereals. Just make sure to keep a similar texture to maintain the overall balance of the snack mix. Experimenting with other cereals can lead to new flavor combinations that you might love.
How can I make this recipe less salty?
To reduce the saltiness, consider using unsalted peanuts and pretzel sticks. Additionally, you can cut back on the Worcestershire sauce or look for low-sodium alternatives. This way, you can still enjoy the flavors without overwhelming saltiness, making it suitable for those watching their sodium intake.
Is this recipe suitable for vegan diets?
You can easily adapt this recipe for vegan diets by replacing shortening with a vegan butter alternative or coconut oil. Check that your Worcestershire sauce is vegan, as some brands contain anchovies. This snack mix can be a tasty option for those following vegan recipes.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).