Every year my family goes to the mountains to cut down a Christmas tree! It happens to be all three of my boys favorite Christmas tradition. We break out the Christmas music for the first time and head for the hills. We always end up with a Charlie Brown Christmas tree but we have fun together and that is what matters the most!
This year my sister even got to join in on the fun! My boys LOVE her!
Most traditions that my family has includes food in some way. Christmas tree hunting is no different. We always bring this Winter Wonderland Mix to munch on after our long hike up the mountain in search of the perfect tree.
Actually, we bring four wheeler’s and drive them as far up the mountain as possible! It’s just the way we do things. And this candy makes the experience complete!
This candy is so simple to make and only takes a few minutes. Melt some almond bark in the microwave. Be sure to melt it at half power and stir it part way through.
While the almond bark is melting measure chex, peanuts, marshmallows and pretzels in a separate bowl.
When the almond bark is melted and smooth pour in the “goodies”. I also added some dried cherries and they were divine. Although I usually add dried cranberries. Stir to coat evenly coat with almond bark.
Then add Christmas M&M’s. Stir again.
Spread the mix on a wax paper lined cookie sheet. You might even want to use two cookie sheets.
Let mix cool and set. Package in pretty containers and give as gifts. It’s pretty served in a bowl or individual cups! I dare you to try and save some for later! It’s almost impossible.
Add this mix to one of your favorite Holiday traditions! It makes things right!
- 20 oz. Almond Bark
- 7 cups Chex (I used corn, but you can use any combination you like)
- 1 cup Dried cranberries
- 2 cups pretzels
- 2 cups marshmallows
- 2 cups peanuts
- 2 cups M&M's
- Melt almond bark, in a large mixing bowl, in the microwave. I always melt chocolate at half power and stir about every 30 seconds. Continue cooking almond bark until it is smooth.
- While almond bark is melting (or before if you are organized), measure the rest of the ingredients.
- When almond bark is melted add Chex, cranberries, pretzels, marshmallows and peanuts. Toss to coat with almond bark. Add M&M's and toss again.
- Set mix on a wax paper lined baking sheet. Let cool until set.
- Store in an air tight container.
- NOTE: This recipe is easy to cut in half.
Shannon says
December 6, 2013 at 10:18 amThis is so going on my gift-giving list! Sounds and looks so yummy; with incoming bad weather this weekend it could be the perfect time for a good book and this for a snack/treat. Thanks for sharing! Found this recipe on Pinterest (I’m @shopegirl)
Amy Engberson says
December 6, 2013 at 11:17 amI would love to receive this as a gift!
Mommy on Demand says
December 10, 2013 at 11:32 amThis would be great for my upcoming road trip! Would love for you to come over and share at my linky party that is happening now http://mommyondemand.com/create-bake-9/
Amy Engberson says
December 10, 2013 at 2:14 pmThanks for the invite! I would love to join the party!!
Mommy on Demand says
December 16, 2013 at 1:56 pmThanks for coming over! Hope to see you again tomorrow!
bj says
December 12, 2013 at 9:18 pmOh, boy…this looks fantastic. I am buying the ingredients tomorrow and making some for family and friends…..
Thanks so much..Over from Create It Thurs.
Amy Engberson says
December 13, 2013 at 11:09 amThanks for stopping by! I’m excited for you to make this. It’s one of those treats that get me into trouble. I just can’t stop eating it!
Karly says
December 16, 2013 at 7:29 pmMy kids would love this! Thanks for linking up with What’s Cookin’ Wednesday!
Amy Engberson says
December 18, 2013 at 2:13 pmHide some for you or they will eat it all. At least if they are like my kids they will!!
Pyper says
December 17, 2013 at 2:43 pmWe just tried this and we love it! Matt walked in while I was making it and he needed a “little” taste test. We found some mini peppermint marshmallows at the store, so we tried it with half peppermint and half white. Kinda fun twist. This is a fun snack–thanks for posting it!
Amy Engberson says
December 18, 2013 at 2:11 pmPeppermint anything this time of the year is perfect! Sometimes I use mint M&M’s and love it! No matter what I throw in this mix…I can’t help myself!
Lindsey says
December 16, 2015 at 8:54 pmCould you tell me how long this recipe is good for? Traveling for the holidays so will have to make a week before.
Amy Engberson says
January 22, 2016 at 11:20 amI bet you don’t need to know this anymore! I’m not exactly sure how long this will last because I haven’t ever been able to keep it around for more than a few days. I’m guessing it would last for at least a week though. It’s a great option for traveling!
Emily says
December 6, 2016 at 1:46 pmI’m making this today to leave at a neighbors house as part of a secret santa!! I hope some one leaves some on my doorstep! 🙂
Amy Engberson says
December 8, 2016 at 10:04 amYou have lucky neighbors! I wish you could drop some off on my porch!
Carol Walston says
November 28, 2017 at 8:35 amHow long will this recipe keep in sealed containers? Also, will it freeze?
Amy Engberson says
December 1, 2017 at 9:42 pmHi Carol! I haven’t ever tried freezing this before. I imagine you can though. I’ve kept it in a sealed container for up to two weeks and it’s just fine. I bet it would actually keep even longer than that! I think you are going to love it!
Nadine Blake says
December 21, 2017 at 7:37 amThank you so much for the FABULOUS recipe! I look forward to making the Winter Wonderland mix each year with my kids..
Amy Engberson says
December 21, 2017 at 12:17 pmIt’s one of our favorite traditions too! So fun to munch on during the holidays! Merry Christmas!