Jennifer's Recipe: Ranch Snack Mix

What if you could make your Thanksgiving just like Julia Child's? I promise it does not involve some in-depth French recipes. You can be Julia Child, at least when it comes to appetizers. Her favorite appetizer to serve on Thanksgiving was Goldfish crackers! I am not joking!  She loved them and considered them a wholesome snack. I am not so sure about the wholesome part, but there is something tasty about them. She also served them because it was one shortcut she could make on a busy day in the kitchen.  She liked to serve them with her favorite cocktail, a Reverse Martini. 

So if you are looking for a simple appetizer, put out a bowl of Goldfish crackers and voila, you are Julia! If you want to take the Goldfish crackers up a notch, I have just the recipe for you.  Ranch Snack Mix has Goldfish crackers but also features cashews or peanuts, pretzels, and Bugles. The flavors come together by being coated in Ranch dressing.  This crunchy and savory snack mix is easy to make. The best part is it is better if made up to two days ahead. One less thing to prep on Thanksgiving. 

When Julia Child was alive, I have to admit I never really paid too much attention to her. But anyone comfortable with serving Goldfish crackers on Thanksgiving had the right attitude about the day! Do what is easy and serve what you like!  If you are getting anxious about the day, just keep those two things in mind. Julia once said, "Cooking well doesn't mean having to cook fancy."  Ranch Snack Mix is not fancy but oh so delicious! Happy Thanksgiving,

Ranch Snack Mix

Ingredients:

• 1 package of miniature pretzels - 12 ounces
• 2 packages of Original Bugles - 7.5 ounces
• 10 ounces Cashews or Dry Roasted Peanuts
• 1 package cheddar cheese Goldfish Crackers - 6 ounces
• 1 Envelope Ranch Salad Dressing Mix
• 3/4 Cup canola oil or your favorite oil

Directions:

In one very large bowl or container, combine the pretzels, Bugles, nuts of your choice, and the Goldfish crackers.  Add the dry dressing mix to the oil and whisk until combined thoroughly.  Gently drizzle the oil over the cracker mix and stir until thoroughly coated.  Store in an airtight container for 2 days.  Then serve and store leftovers in the same container. 

Notes:

• This is a really old recipe and some of the package sizes may have changed.  It doesn't matter, it is a very forgiving recipe. You can add more or less of each ingredient if you want. I sometimes just eyeball it and throw it together. 
• This makes a large amount, so I often just halve the recipe.  You can measure out the dry dressing and use half.  
• Substitutes can be easily made.  Try the multi-colored goldfish or the whole-grain ones. I have used the cheese shark crackers as well.  You can substitute stick pretzels if you prefer.
• Not perhaps the healthiest snack but we all indulge on Thanksgiving!
• Recipe Source: Quick Cooking Magazine