TTO's Best Holiday Snacks

As far as we're concerned, it's always a great time to have a snack.  However, at the holidays, having some snacks on hand can be essential.  You never know when you might have some friends or family pop over for a quick visit.  You might also need to set out some munchies while your guests wait for a big holiday meal or even package up some treat bags as easy presents.  Here are a few of our favorite fast and easy snack recipes to make, share and snack on!

• Ryan's Chex Mix:  You've already heard how much we love this stuff!  It's a little time consuming, but totally worth it!  It's also a hit with guests of all ages!

• Jess's Mixed Nuts: This recipe was adapted many years ago from Emeril Lagasse's Mixed Nuts recipe.  Jess isn't a cumin fan, so she omitted that and added a little rosemary for a holiday touch.  To make her version, you'll need:
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (You can up this is 1/2 tsp, but I wanted to make them kid-friendly)
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp chopped fresh rosemary
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 4 cups mixed nuts
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 6 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp water

Mix the spices in a small bowl.  Heat the nuts in a large flat pan over medium-low heat.  Stir occasionally and DO NOT leave this pan.  If you leave even for a minute or two (as Jess did once to call Mom to chat about "Will and Grace") you'll burn the nuts and have to start all over again.  When you start to smell the nuts toasting add the butter.  Once it's melted, stir in the water, spices and sugar.   Stir until the nuts are glazed with this spicy caramel mixture.  Pour the nuts onto a foil lined baking tray and spread them out flat.  This mixture is going to be crazy hot so be careful.  Let the mixture cool and serve.  You can also store these in an airtight container for a week or so, but they've never lasted that long around our house! 

• Ryan's Antipasti Platter:  This is a classic crowdpleaser!  Everyone can find something to snack on and it looks impressive on your holiday table!  

Here are a few more recipes we think would be perfect for holiday snacking:

• Spinach Artichoke Dip
• Ranch Oyster Crackers 
• Chicago-Style Popcorn (Just like our fave place, Garrett's)
• Sheet-Pan Beef Nachos

What are your favorite snacks to serve around the holidays?  Share them in the comments below!