Homemade Chex Mix

Can we talk about chex mix? The old school kind. Homemade with lots of seasoning soaked into the crispy baked cereal.

I might have a problem, as in a slight addiction.

I don’t want to drop names but my sister Emily might have a problem, too. Sometimes we text each other chex mix which is secret code for I’m having a bad day and the only hope is a chex fix.

Last week, I spoke to the faculty at a local pre-school as part of their staff development day. When the director told me the school’s theme for the year was Old School, I went a little bizzerk with the chex mix. I mean what says old school better than chex mix, right?

I quadrupled the recipe to take to these women. I was so excited about sharing the chex mix that what I was going to talk about for TWO hours kinda slipped my mind. Two hours is a long time to talk, friends. Even for me. Even with chex mix as a distraction.

Luckily, I have a lot on my heart to share about how God is teaching me to love my friends and neighbors.

We talked about hospitality during my talk at the school. I shared stories about how God was teaching me to live out his words in Romans 12:13 to take every opportunity to open our life and home to others. We talked about The Turquoise Table — the picnic table I placed in my front yard a year ago that’s become a place for friends and neighbors to gather.

One women shared that her neighbors like to celebrate holidays together, they even have a small planning committee to organize the events. Another woman told us her favorite way to gather with neighbors is to set up folding chairs in driveways and talk while the children played. One woman confided she didn’t know her any of her neighbors. Another chimed in she knew a few, but none of them well enough to call on in a time of need.

We talked about why God wants us to love our neighbors. And, who exactly is our neighbor anyway? We talked about the difference between entertainment and hospitality. And how hard it is to open up our homes when most days we are in survival mode.

The conversation was rich, honest, and so, so good.

Because it felt like the conversation was far from over, I invited the women to join The Turquoise Table Community so we could continue the discussion about what it means to really love others — friends, family, and neighbors.

I’d love for you to join us too!

Turquoise tables are popping up in front yards across the country. . . even as far away as Jinga, Uganda. There is a real desire among women to slow down and be intentional in our relationships with the people in our lives. To show kindness and love to friends and neighbors and those who are in need.  The Turquoise Table Community is for anyone who wants to be encouraged and part of a creative group of women all longing to love others well.

For now, it’s just a weekly newsletter, one that hopefully won’t get lost in the sea of emails you already receive. We’ll talk about ways to love our neighbors and what hospitality looks like in our crazy, busy lives. The newsletter is chalk full of practical information like recipes, menu suggestions, tips for hosting big and small groups, ideas for front yard gatherings, conversation starters, ways to pray for your neighbors and stories from women like you who want to be intentional about gathering and loving the people in your life.

We are using the #theturquoisetable on twitter and instagram. And, you can join the conversation on Facebook page too.

What do you think? Will you join us at the turquoise table?

Sign up on The Turquoise Table page and watch for the first newsletter next week! 

In the meantime, why not make a batch of homemade chex mix and share the old school favorite with a friend or neighbor.

Homemade Chex Mix

Print Recipe

A perfect snack to have on hand for impromptu gatherings with friends and neighbors. Make a big batch – plenty to enjoy and share!

• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Total Time: 2 hours 15 mins
• Yield: a crowd

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 cups Corn Chex cereal
• 3 cups Wheat Chex cereal
• 3 cups Rice Chex cereal
• 1 cup honey roasted peanuts (or your favorite nut)
• 1 cup bite-sized pretzels
• 1 cup bagel chips (I use sesame sticks instead!)
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons Lowry’s salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Instructions

1. Mix the cereal in a large roasting pan.
2. In a bowl mix together the melted butter, olive oil, and seasonings.
3. Pour over the cereal and stir until well combined.
4. Bake at 250 degrees for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.