Christmas Treats: Idea #4

I wish I had invented this Santa Hat Party Mix! It is too stinkin' cute! Shelly over at Cookies & Cups is the creative mastermind behind this clever holiday treat (see the original recipe here). I knew that I wanted to create an edible gift using cute Chinese take-out style boxes for the packaging, and this mix was perfect for that kind of packaging.

Santa Hat Party Mix (recipe created by Cookies & Cups)

Bugles (Caramel flavor, if you can find them)

Red candy melts

Mini marshmallows

White sprinkles

3 cups mini pretzels

1/2 cup craisins

1 cup salted dry roasted peanuts

2 cups Chex cereal

2 cups holiday colored M&M's

8 oz. white chocolate, for melting

To make Santa Hats: Melt the candy melts, along with a tablespoon of shortening, in 30 second intervals on half power in your microwave. Immediately dip the Bugles in the melted candy melts, and let them set up for 10 minutes on parchment paper or wax paper. When they are set, remelt the candy melts and dip just the bottoms into the white sprinkles. Flip the Bugle over, dip the top in melted candy and press a mini marshmallow on top.

For the mix: Spread all ingredients, except for the M&M's, on a baking sheet lined with parchment or wax paper. Melt your white chocolate according to package directions and drizzle over the pretzel mix. Transfer into a large bowl and coat the entire mix with chocolate. Return to baking sheet and allow to dry. Once the chocolate is set, sprinkle M&M's and Santa Hat's over the mix. 

Note: Bugles are almost impossible to find here in California! I finally got them at Wal-Mart.

To gift these, I put a good amount of mix into a plastic treat bag, tied it with ribbon, and then used a festive take-out style box to present the whole thing! You can forego to the take-out style box for easier packaging, but I think it really makes for a cute gift!