Butterfinger Mix

Serving a snack that's called a "Butterfinger" Chex Mix probably isn't ideal when you're talking a menu for the Super Bowl. Clumsy Butterfingers and football don't mix. 

But, since the Chiefs aren't in contention this year, I am not overly invested in the game's outcome. So, if one of the teams has "butterfingers," so be it.

Of course, we will still watch the big game between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots. I'm probably leaning toward the Seahawks. If only former K-State Wildcat standout Tyler Lockett were still there ... Cheering for the Seahawks will also make Randy's cousin and my Pacific Northwest blog friend happy, so there is that. 

But let's get real. This year - like most of America - I'm mainly there for the snacks and the Super Bowl ads. 

This was the second Christmas season that I added Butterfinger Chex Mix to the snack mix repertoire. Our family enjoys the treat, and I also gave away some for gifts. 

 

It's super easy, especially if you use the the Butterfinger Bits. Another option is smashing up regular-sized or mini Butterfingers if you can't find the Butterfinger Bits. If your store stocks them, they are likely in the baking aisle by the chocolate chips and other mix-ins.  

Enjoy - whether you're watching the big game or just need a sweet, decadent snack! It would be a sweet treat for your Valentine, too!

Butterfinger Snack Mix

 

5 cups Chocolate Chex or regular Rice Chex cereal

1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

1/2 cup peanut butter

1/4 cup butter

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups Butterfinger Bits (or crushed candy bars)

1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

 

Preparing the coating: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips, peanut butter and butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the mixture is smooth and fully melted. Add vanilla and stir. 

 

Place the Chex cereal in a large mixing bowl. Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the cereal and gently fold to coat evenly. Sprinkle the Butterfinger candy over the coated cereal and fold again to distribute evenly. 

 

Transfer the coated cereal into a large resealable plastic bag or a bowl with a lid. Add the powdered sugar; seal and shake until the cereal is fully coated. (I used an extra-large Tupperware bowl for mixing the whole recipe and just added my powdered sugar at the end.) 

 

Spread snack mix out on parchment paper or waxed paper. Cool and dry. Once set, transfer to a serving bowl or store in a sealed bag or bowl until serving.

 

NOTE:

• For the Butterfinger Snack Mix I gave away at Christmas, I mixed red and green Christmas M & Ms in to add a festive color. You could do the same, adding the colors of your favorite sports team.  

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Need other ideas for your Super Bowl party?

 

Click on the links for the recipes pictured below. Looking for something else? Type "bar cookie," "snack mix," "cookies," "sandwiches," "soup," etc., into the blog search engine. The search engine is found in the upper lefthand corner of the blog post.

Oven-Baked BBQ Ribs AND Sweet & Sour Baked Beans

BBQ Meatballs - Make them full-size or bite-sized

Chili Lime Tacos with Grilled Pineapple Salsa 
Homemade Guacamole

 Cheesy Pull-Apart Sliders

 Zesty Italian Wraps

Turkey Club Pinwheels

Crescent-Wrapped Cranberry & Brie

Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip

Lemon Muddy Buddies

Super Snack Mix-Up

  

Brownies for a Crowd

Butterfinger Blondies

Peanut Butter S'Mores Bars

 

Southwest Ranch Cheese Dip

 

"Bowl"ed Over with Snacks for Football and New Year's Eve

Eat 'em up! Eat 'em up! K-S-U!

Let's hope our signature K-State chant leads to victory over Navy at the AutoZone Liberty Bowl game today. We didn't make the trip to Memphis, but we'll be watching the 'Cats from the warmth of our living room.

 

And we just might be dipping into some tailgate-worthy snacks from the comfort of our own home. Whether you're cheering for the Wildcats or just looking for a quick appetizer to help welcome the New Year, this Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip is a contender.

I've made it for our family's Christmas Eve celebrating for several years now. My sister, Lisa, initially brought it to the gathering, but I liked it so well that it has become a permanent fixture. Jill also served it as an appetizer for our family's Thanksgiving gathering.

It's easy to put together. I find it makes less of a mess if you freeze your cranberries and then chop them in a blender or food processor. Just chop up the rest of the ingredients, stir together and let it marinate to blend the flavors. Then pour it over cream cheese and start dipping the crackers for a tangy taste treat.

There are some other K-State (or New Year's) snacks at the bottom of this post. They are easy to make for a last-minute football bowl or New Year's snack.

Happy New Year to you and yours from The County Line! And Go 'Cats!

Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip

Recipe from my sister, Lisa Bauer

1 8 oz. package of cream cheese

1 package (12 oz) fresh cranberries (Freeze and chop in the blender or food processor)

1/4 cup green onion, chopped

2 tbsp. minced fresh cilantro

1 tbsp. diced jalapeno (or more, if you like it hotter)

1 1/4 cups sugar

1 tsp. lemon juice

Dash salt

Combine all ingredients except cream cheese.  Mixture needs to sit for 4 hours or so. Garnish with additional chopped green onion and/or cilantro.

Spread cream cheese in bottom of serving plate. Top with cranberry mix. Serve with Wheat Thins or other crackers.

Try these other snacks for bowl games, tailgates or parties. You can always tailor the colors to fit your favorite high school, college or pro team. 

Pretzel Snacks

Toffee Snack Mix

  White Chocolate Cinnamon Pretzels