Don't buy the store version of snack mix. It's easy to make your own. It tastes so much better, is fresh and you know all of the ingredients. Add the ingredients that are your favorites to make it truly your own.
⅔ c. canola, vegetable, or olive oil
1 oz. packet Ranch dip seasoning mix powder, like McCormick Ranch Dip
4 c. popcorn, popped (2 - 3 T. un-popped kernels)
3½ c. pretzels (waffle-style pretzels recommended, like Snyder's
½ - 1 c. peanuts, almonds, cashews, or favorite nuts or mixed nuts, optional
3 oz. Parmesan cheese, grated
In a large microwave-safe bowl, add oil and Ranch mix; stir to combine; add popcorn, pretzels, nuts and optional ingredients.
Toss to evenly coat the mixture; it may seem a bit on the oily side, this is okay, it will absorb. Heat on High power for 2 minutes, stopping after 1 minute to toss the mixture. The oil has a tendency to pool at the bottom of the bowl. Add the Parmesan cheese; toss to coat evenly.
Serve mix immediately.
Makes 8 cups.
*Tip to make popcorn easily: add 2 - 3 T. unpopped kernels to a brown paper lunch bag; fold top down twice; heat for about 90 seconds on High power in the microwave. Don't add oil, butter or anything else, just the kernels.
Mix will keep for up to 3 days in an airtight container or a large ziplock bag, but is best enjoyed the same day. Since cheese has been added, some may wish to refrigerate the mix if storing it longer term.
Optional variations can be added instead of or in combination with the other dry ingredients: coarsely crushed saltines or oyster crackers, Club or Ritz crackers, Rye Crisps, Asian-style rice crackers, tortilla or potato chips, favorite gourmet or specialty crackers, cashews, almonds, pecans, sunflower seeds, pistachios. For a spicy version, add a pinch of chili powder or cayenne pepper, to taste.