Not Butter! Contest 3--Tex Mex Snack Mix

tortilla chips

🥗Healthier: baked tortilla chips

💰Cheaper: puffed corn snacks

Baked chips reduce fat while puffed snacks offer a crunchy texture.

cheddar cheese

🥗Healthier: reduced-fat cheese

💰Cheaper: processed cheese

Reduced-fat cheese lowers calories, while processed cheese is often cheaper.

jalapeños

🥗Healthier: banana peppers

💰Cheaper: pickled peppers

Banana peppers are milder and lower in calories, while pickled peppers are budget-friendly.

avocado

🥗Healthier: guacamole

💰Cheaper: mashed peas

Guacamole is healthier with added nutrients, while mashed peas provide a similar texture.

In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups wheat Chex cereal, 1 1/2 cups roasted, salted peanuts, 1 cup sunflower kernels, and 1 cup Corn Nuts.

Add 2 teaspoons chili powder, 1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper, 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin, and 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder.

Stir thoroughly to combine.

Pour in 1/4 cup melted I Can't Believe It's Not Butter!, and stir until the snack mix is completely coated with the herbs and spices.

Spread snack mix evenly in a 15-inch by 10-inch by 1-inch jelly roll pan or other shallow pan or baking dish.

Bake at 300 degrees for 10 minutes.

Stir, and bake an additional few minutes, checking often to see that the mixture does not get overbrown (about 5 or 6 minutes).

Remove snack mix from oven and let cool completely.

Place snack mix in a serving dish, or store it in a sealed container at room temperature.

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary