As I mentioned in my post, Easy Shortbread Cookie Recipe – Light and Buttery, I am going to embrace staying home this Christmas and make myself a few comfort foods to enjoy during the holidays. Although I’m sure the kids and I will whip up a few other creations along the way, I’ve decided to make three classic recipes that I love, and that remind me of family parties (pre-2020 style)!
In addition to my grandma’s melt in your mouth shortbread cookies and my sister’s amazing aged cheddar cheeseball, I will be whipping up a big batch of my aunt’s homemade nuts and bolts recipe.
My aunt is a kindred spirit to me in many ways and a Christmas party at her house meant a whole load of people piled into a room opening presents, watching hockey, and for me, eating entire bowls of her nuts and bolts.
She gave me her recipe a number of years ago and it’s one of my favourite holiday snacks.
Watching a Christmas movie on TV with a big bowl of nuts and bolts by my side will make me happy. #EnjoyTheLittleThings #MustHaveADietCokeToo
Homemade Nuts and Bolts Recipe
Ingredients:
2 Cups each of:
Shreddies
Cheerios
Crispix (or Chex)
Pretzels
Goldfish (or Cheese Stick Crackers)
Peanuts (I make mine peanut-less because my son doesn’t like peanuts)
2/3 cup butter
2 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
2 tsp celery salt
2 tsp onion salt
2 tsp garlic salt
Directions:
Preheat oven to 300F.
Melt butter (a measuring cup in the microwave works great).
Add spices to butter, stir to mix with a fork.
Spread cereal, etc. in a large roasting pan.
Pour butter & spice mixture over top and toss gently.
Bake in oven at 300F for 40 to 50 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes.
Cool on paper towel.
I store it in an airtight container in the freezer and we usually end up finishing it off within 2 months and it still tastes great.
I’m not sure if I ever gave it much thought but I’m a bit embarrassed to say that I was surprised to learn that this is why they are called Nuts and Bolts…
This is another classic holiday recipe that both of my grandmas used to make so it is a great item for a gift basket for your older friends, neighbours and family members.
Happy holiday snacking and movie watching! KJ 🙂
