This isn't your ordinary party mix. Although it does take time and commitment to dip each Bugle in melted red candy, it's worth it in the end. The snack is creative and festive and will be a hit with family and guests.
1 bag red melting disks
1 T. shortening
1 bag Bugles (use Caramel Bugles, if you can find them- they are slightly sturdier)
handful mini marshmallows
white sprinkles, like nonpareils
Snack Mix:
3 c. mini pretzels
½ c. craisins (dried cranberries)
1 c. salted dry roasted peanuts
2 c. Rice Chex
2 c. holiday colored M&M’s
8 oz. white chocolate, for melting
Return to baking sheet to allow to dry.
When chocolate is set, sprinkle M&M’s and Bugle Santa Hats over the mix.
Transfer to big bowl to serve.
Santa Hats:
Line a baking sheet with wax paper or parchment paper.
Melt red candy melts, along with 1 T. shortening, to help thin the melted candy, in 30 second intervals on 50% power in microwave until melted. Immediately start dipping Bugles/hats. Let set up for 10 minutes or so on prepared baking sheet.
When they are set, re-melt the red candy disks if necessary, and dip just the bottoms (the large part of the Bugle) into the white sprinkles.Then flip Bugle over and dip the top in the melted candy; press a mini marshmallow on top.
Let dry on wax or parchment paper.
Spread all ingredients, EXCEPT for the M&M’s and white chocolate, out on another baking sheet lined with parchment or wax paper.
Melt white chocolate according to package directions; drizzle over the pretzel mix.
Transfer into a large serving bowl; coat mix with chocolate.
Serve.