Christmas brings a special kind of warmth into our homes, a sweet scent of nostalgia wafting through the air. I can still remember the very first time my family made Christmas Trash. It was a chilly afternoon, and the world outside was painted with a gentle layer of snow, each flake catching the light as it fell. Inside, the kitchen was filled with the comforting aroma of melting vanilla almond bark, mingling with the crunch of cereal and the unmistakable salty-sweet fragrance of pretzels and peanuts. As my children and I measured out the ingredients, laughter bounced off the walls, and the joy of cooking together transformed a simple recipe into a cherished holiday tradition. This is not just a snack; it is a celebration of togetherness and the memories we share in the kitchen.
The Story Behind Our Favorite Christmas Trash
Christmas Trash holds a special place in my heart. It’s more than just a collection of tasty treats. It is a reminder of family gatherings, the laughter of cousins, and the excitement that comes with the holiday season. The first batch I ever made was years ago, when my oldest was still a toddler. I remember it vividly. We had just returned from picking out our Christmas tree, and the house was alive with the spirit of the holidays. The kids were buzzing with excitement, and I wanted to create something magical to celebrate the day.
So, we gathered around the kitchen table and pulled out our favorite mixing bowl. The moments we spent laughing and mixing together are what truly made the memory so special. We talked about what we would leave for Santa and figured out how to sneak a few M&M’s from the bowl when I wasn’t looking. Each ingredient we added symbolized a bit of the joy we found in being together. It was during those moments that Christmas Trash became more than just a snack; it grew into a beloved tradition, bringing us together year after year.
Bringing Christmas Trash Together
“Every time I stir this pot, it smells just like Sunday at home.”
Making Christmas Trash is like writing a sweet little story right in your kitchen. The first step is gathering all the ingredients, which come together so beautifully. The colors are vibrant, the smells inviting, and the sounds of crunching and sizzling fill the air. Corn CHEX shines in a sunny golden hue, while the Cheerios add a lovely crunch and the pretzel twists bring their unique salty tang. The highlights of the process are when the almond bark melts, transforming from a solid block into a smooth, glossy waterfall of sweetness, perfect for coating everything.
As I mix the cereal, pretzels, and nuts together, I can’t help but be reminded of the excitement on my children’s faces when they taste the end result. The kitchen gets a little busy, and we find ourselves elbow-deep in snacks, giggling and sneaking bites straight from the mixing bowl. This rhythm of making—stirring and creating—fills the kitchen with the spirit of Christmas, reminding us of the joy wrapped up in each bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this delightful Christmas Trash, gather together:
2 cups Corn CHEX cereal
2 cups Cheerios cereal
2 cups mini pretzel twists
1 cup dry roasted salted peanuts
2 1/2 cups regular M&M’s candies
24 oz vanilla almond bark
Candy coating
You may want to consider adding a little extra vanilla for a cozy aroma that fills your home. The fresh butter and almonds will give it a richness that brings together all these wonderful flavors. Keep an open heart and a willingness to have fun as you gather these ingredients. Cooking is a creative process, and I believe it’s all about what feels right in your kitchen.
Step-by-Step Directions
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In a large bowl, combine the Corn CHEX, Cheerios, pretzel twists, peanuts, and M&M’s. Stir gently to mix. The colors will blend beautifully, creating a cheerful array that is just inviting to dig into.
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Melt the vanilla almond bark according to package instructions. I like to use a microwave in short bursts to keep a close eye on it, stirring frequently until it becomes smooth and glossy.
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Pour the melted almond bark over the cereal mixture and stir until well coated. The warm vanilla aroma will wrap around you like a hug, and you will enjoy watching how the ingredients transform into a sticky, sweet concoction.
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Spread the mixture onto a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure every morsel gets a little space, so they can cool off perfectly without sticking together.
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Drizzle with candy coating if desired. You can let your creativity shine here—maybe a light swirl or a generous sprinkle. It’s a lovely way to make your Christmas Trash festive and bright.
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Allow to cool and set before breaking into pieces. This stage fills the kitchen with an excited stillness, and you’ll want to breathe in the delightful scent slowly. You can almost taste the anticipation as you wait for it to set.
Serving Christmas Trash With Family Warmth
Once your Christmas Trash is ready, it’s time to gather your loved ones and share this delightful treat. I love serving it in a big bowl right in the center of our dining table, inviting everyone to dive in. It’s a wonderful way to bring family together, whether during a festive brunch or as an after-dinner snack while we share stories by the fireplace.
We have a little tradition where we set out a few small bowls for everyone to fill with their favorites. The combination of sweet M&M’s, crunchy pretzels, and the salty peanuts creates a wonderful mosaic of flavors and textures. It’s not just the taste that warms the heart, but the experience of sharing and bonding over something homemade. My children enjoy pitching in too, helping serve and sharing their favorite parts of the mix.
I often pair it with mugs of hot cocoa or freshly brewed coffee, the rich flavors mingling together, enhancing the comfort of the moment. It’s the perfect way to embrace the spirit of the season: togetherness, warmth, and lots of love.
Storing Christmas Trash for Tomorrow
If by some miracle, you have leftovers, storing your Christmas Trash is easy and straightforward. Place it in an airtight container and store it in a cool, dry place. Over the next few days, you will notice how the flavors mellow and deepen, making it even more enjoyable each time you indulge.
Keeping it fresh is key to maintaining that same delightful crunch and taste. If you notice it starting to soften, a few minutes in the oven at a low temperature can revive its texture. Just remember to check on it regularly to avoid any over-baking.
Amelia’s Kitchen Notes
One of the joys of cooking is finding little shortcuts and ways to make the process smoother. Here are a few tried-and-true tips I’ve gathered over the years making Christmas Trash in my kitchen:
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Substitution Ideas: If you do not have Corn CHEX, you can easily swap it for Rice CHEX or any other favorite cereal. Your mix will still taste amazing.
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Prep Shortcuts: You can make a big batch of the cereal mixture ahead of time and store it in an airtight container. When you are ready to make the bark, you will have the hard part ready to go.
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Cleanup Tips: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper for an easy cleanup after the fun. Once the chocolate sets, you can just lift it off the sheet and the pan stays clean.
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Personal Touch: Consider adding dried fruits or nuts that your family loves. The addition of dried cranberries or even caramel bits can take the flavor to another level.
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Gift Giving: Christmas Trash makes a lovely gift. Fill a cute jar or festive box, tie it with a ribbon, and share a bit of love with friends and family.
Family Variations on Christmas Trash
Over the years, we’ve had fun experimenting with different ingredients in our Christmas Trash. Each version takes on new flavors while keeping the heart of the recipe intact. One of our favorites involves adding a handful of crushed peppermint candies during the holidays, giving it a delightful minty twist.
Sometimes, we’ll add colorful seasonal sprinkles for a festive look. You can even mix in some coconut flakes to create a tropical touch. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. Whatever your family enjoys most can easily be integrated into the mix, keeping things fresh and exciting each year.
FAQs About Christmas Trash
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, and honestly, it might taste even better the next day once the flavors have settled and come together.
How long does it last?
If stored correctly in an airtight container, it can last up to two weeks. But I doubt it will last that long once your family gets their hands on it!
What if I don’t have vanilla almond bark?
You can substitute it with white chocolate chips or even milk chocolate, but keep an eye on the melting process as they may need a slightly different approach.
Can I use different nuts?
Absolutely! If your family prefers almonds, cashews, or walnuts, feel free to use those instead. Just make sure they are roasted for maximum flavor.
Is this recipe easy to customize?
Definitely! The basic framework is simple, and you can add or subtract ingredients based on what you have and what your family enjoys.
A Warm Note From My Kitchen
I hope this Christmas Trash brings a little warmth and inspiration to your kitchen, the same way it does in mine. The joy of creating something delicious, paired with the memories made along the way, is what makes cooking so special. As you pull together your ingredients and gather around the kitchen, let the process be a reminder that the heart of home cooking lies in the connections we share. Here’s to more laughter, love, and festive treats filling your home this holiday season. Enjoy every moment, and may the spirit of Christmas fill your heart and kitchen.
Christmas Trash
Ingredients
Method
- In a large bowl, combine the Corn CHEX, Cheerios, pretzel twists, peanuts, and M&M’s. Stir gently to mix.
- Melt the vanilla almond bark in the microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently until smooth and glossy.
- Pour the melted almond bark over the cereal mixture and stir until well coated.
- Spread the mixture onto a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Drizzle with candy coating if desired.
- Allow to cool and set before breaking into pieces.
