Savory TV snacks---Bits that Bite!
By Zsuzsy Bee
I'm ashamed to admit that I'm a snacker. If I watch TV, which I do very little of (luckily), I either have to have something to do with my hands or else I get the munchies and then... My favorites are plain popcorn, sunflower seeds or pistachios but then I'm always hunting around for a change. Savory snacks are on top of my list. To be honest I try to be good (almost always) and only have healthy snacks but...
Last week it was my turn to host our once a month movie night where usually four or five of us get together for a 'double feature' and everyone brings some type of 'muncheroos'. Nine out of ten times these snacks are something home-made and healthy. This time around one of my friends cheated and brought a couple of boxes of 'Nut's and Bolts' instead. I had forgotten about those snacks and didn't even know they still made them. (To be honest my movie-cronies emptied those bowls first) Seeing those old forgotten treats again, which had been a favorite when my kids had been teenagers, reminded me of my version which they had called 'Bits-that-Bite'.
Knowing that my kids were all coming home on the weekend I dug up my old recipe yesterday and put the ingredients onto my shopping list. It had been many years since I made that recipe and it sure brought back many happy memories of the times when I used to make it by the bucket fulls for all the hollow-legged teens (my kids and their friends) that used to camp over at our house.
I'm happy to report that making
the 'Bit's-that-Bite' recipe was a success. Each of my three children
really enjoyed it and it set us all onto memory lane. My granddaughters are
at that age now when they love to hear about some of the old funny
escapades of their Mom, Uncle and Aunt.
Try it you might like it too...
Bits that Bite recipe
Once upon a time it took me many tries to get the recipe just right and as you can imagine I had to twist the arms of those poor children of mine along with their buddies to dispose of the trial batches weekend after weekend... This makes a massive batch and to be honest I've never made a smaller version but then I guess it would be just as easy to make just half a batch.
Ingredients:
- 1 large box Shreddies
- 1 large box Cheerios
- 1 large box Special K
- 1 med box bugles
- 1 1/2 cups Pecan or Walnut pieces (available in baking dept)
- 1 1/2 cups sliced Almonds (available in baking dept)
- 1 1/2 cups cashew pieces (available in baking dept)
- 1 1/2 cups Sesame sticks
- 1 1/2 cups small twisted Pretzels
- 1 1/2 cups Margarine (the kind used for baking, not the spreadable whipped with water type)
- 1/2 cup Worcestershire Sauce
- 2 Tbs. Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 whole dried red chili pepper
- 3-4 cloves fresh garlic Garlic (finely minced in a garlic press)
- 1 Tbs. Onion powder
- 1 Tbs. Lemon or Lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 3/4 tsp. Hot sauce (Tabasco...)
- 1/2 tsp. ground Thyme
- 1/2 tsp. black Pepper
- 1/2 tsp. Celery salt
Methodology:
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
- In a bowl mix pecan, cashew pieces and sliced almond with the 2 Tbs Worcestershire Sauce. Spread evenly on a cookie sheet and plop in preheated oven about 5 minutes. (Until dry) Remember to keep checking on them because they will burn from one second to the next. (Then they'll taste bitter--not nice)
- Lower oven temp to 225 degrees F.
- In a small saucepan combine Worcestershire Sauce with crumbled-crushed up red chili pepper and heat to just about boiling then remove from heat, let steep while preparing the rest of the ingredients
- Melt margarine on low heat and combine with the rest of the spices
- Strain Worcestershire Sauce then add to margarine-spice mix, stir well
- In large mixing bowl or turkey roasting pan mix together all cereal, nuts and pretzels and gradually add the margarine mix while constantly stirring cereal so it all gets covered with some of the spice sauce
- Pour into large roasting pan and bake in oven with lid on for 20- 25 minutes
- Remove lid, stir well
- Taste test, at this point you can still add a smidgen of salt, garlic or thyme powder if needed
- Return to oven for an additional 55 minutes uncovered stirring every 15-20 minutes
- Let cool
- Store in an airtight container (if there is any left )
- Freezes well in an air tight container, just needs to be crisped up in a 350 degree F oven for 10-15 minutes once thawed
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Comments
Hiya Michelle, how are you? Since my eye troubles I don't spends much time on the computer as I would like. Glad you dropped in for a visit. The bits that bite recipe remains an all time favorite for my family. Hope you get to try it to.
Take care
kindest regards
Zsuzsy
Hi Zsuzsy Bee, I love having snacks while watching tv too. hehehe this is a neat idea!
Hi, Zsuzsy...rice cakes, NO. Maybe a Slim Jim with a few cuts of fresh celery...what am I saying? Healthy foods? I am a sworn junk food disciple. I guess anyone can change. Have a great Christmas and a Safe New Year.
kenneth avery,always glad when you drop in for a visit. I know exactly what you're saying about snacking, somehow munching on styrofoam (ricecake) just doesn't seem to fill the spot, does it.
A very merry Christmas to you and yours too.
regards Zsuzsy
Zsuzsy...that's what I'm talkin' about! TV snacks that bite! LOVED THIS HUB. Voted up and away for you earned it. I admire your writing talent. And thanks for not suggesting rice cakes, the original rice cakes that taste like a styrofoam cooler. I love snacks that let me know that I am eating something. Merry Christmas, my friend.
Hiya LaniK, we all like our snacks hot spicy.
Thanks for stopping in and for commenting.
regards Zsuzsy
My kid will go ape over the snacks, and I'm drooling at the Potato Noodles! Voted up!
Mico Sam thank you for taking a look and for commenting. You're gonna love the recipe everyone does. Warning! It is quite addictive...
regards Zsuzsy
Hiya tlpoague how are you? Glad you dropped in. Movie nights with family and friends are soooo much fun especially with home made goodies. Since I resurrected this recipe from the past my granddaughters have asked me to make it for them quite a few times already. I guess this is one of those recipes that is gonna be around for a while.
The jerky along with the practical joke was a majorly great success, thanks to your recipe.
Hope you're well
regards Zsuzsy
hiya G, always glad when you stop in for a visit. I use lavender in quite a few of my recipes and actually have a hub in the works with some of my faves. Mind you I haven't been able to do much hubbing as I'm having issues with my eyes. A couple more weeks and I should be back.
Lemon scones... sounds awesome... yum... gotta look into those.
greetings to you and the gang
regards Zsuzsy
Hi, I have never tried such a snack, but your recipe is so different and interesting I will give it a try this winter. Thanks for sharing. http://www.micocrane.com
I remember this as a kid. It was one of my favorite snacks. I am so glad you shared this recipe. Movie night is a big hit with my family. We have tons of relatives that live in the area, so once a week we try to hold movie night at someone's house. I got carried away with the snacks at my place and looked like we raided the store. Everything there was home-made. (we are big on that, thus why we are big.) Our favorite hit that night was brownies with ice cream and hot fudge frosting. I used recipes that were handed down from my grandmother. Needless to say we became more interested in sharing stories than watching the movie.
Thanks again for the recipe...it brought back memories! How is the jerky coming?
HEY THERE Zsuzsy Bee! Thought of you so I stopped on by! Well this is something I will try to make for sure! A friend of mine made a big batch of this and gave it out for Christmas in pretty Christmas boxes! The kids loved it! Recently I have been making more desserts from Europe.....experimenting with lavender in baked goods and also makin yummy lemon and ginger scones!!!! Ok, I'm getting hungry! Always enjoy your hubs!! Hope you are well!!!! G
HIYA KoffeeKlatch Gals how are you? My whole gang is constantly asking for me to make a LARGE batch. Let me know what you think of the recipe. Thank you for reading and commenting.
Hope life is on an even keel for you
regards Zsuzsy
Zsuzsy, I love a good snack. Yours sound delicious. Up and useful. I will be trying it.
Thank you for taking a look, anemometers, and for commenting. Let me know what you think of this recipe.
regards Zsuzsy
OK- As soon as I saw your food pictures my stomach starting telling me to eat.
MosLadder, thanks for taking a look and for commenting. You're gonna love the mix, I'm sure.
regards Zsuzsy
That recipe sounds crazy! I'm going to try it!
heart4theword, I promised my granddaughters that I would make a big batch for our next camping trip, so yes I would agree with you that these are a great summertime snack.
Hope you're well
regards Zsuzsy
Wow, this looks quite good:) Bookmarking this one! Be some great summertime snacks too!
Sunnyglitter, glad you dropped in for a visit. Thanks for taking a look and for commenting. You're gonna like the mix I'm sure.
regards Zsuzsy
You had me at garlic...and then I saw the Tabasco sauce. Yum!
anidae, I just made a batch for the weekend. My hand must have been a little heavier with the hot sauce because this batch definitely has a good kick to it. Yummy is right, everyone enjoyed it.
Glad you came by, hope you're well
regards Zsuzsy
What a great recipe for the munchies attack I get so often! I will try this the next time I fix my snack foods and it is always better when it is handmade. Yummy.
Movie Master, glad you dropped in for a visit. Thanks for taking a look and for commenting.
regards Zsuzsy
Sun-Girl, thank you for taking a look and for commenting.
regards Zsuzsy
Hi Zsuzsy Bee, these snacks sounds so different and so yummy, can't wait to try the recipe! great hub, thanks!
GOOD HUB.
Vinsanity, thanks for taking a look and for commenting.
regards Zsuzsy
Enelle always glad when you drop in for a visit, thanks for taking a look and for commenting.
regards Zsuzsy
truthfornow, thanks for taking a look and for commenting.
regards Zsuzsy
These recipes seem really great. i usually like to snack on something while I am watching TV also.
I will have to give your recipe a try - my other half and one quarter (son lol) both LOVE this type of snack. I never thought to make it myself. Thanks for the great idea :D
Your recipe seems yummy. I must admit that I can be a bit of a snackaholic.
Hiya Nell, always glad when you drop in for a visit. It's midnight here as I'm reading your comment and talking about pigging out... I have a container of 'Bits that Bite' in the cupboard. It might be just the right time to bring them out with a tall glass of ice cold Cola... yum
Hope you're well
regards Zsuzsy
Hi, talk about well timed! lol it is 12.25 a.m. and I am munching happily! I have a bag of cheese and onion crisps, cheese on toast and a box of cadburys chocolates! talk about pigging out! I keep moaning about putting on weight, but whose fault it that? lol I will definitely be trying your ideas from now on! cheers nell
RTalloni, thank you for the recipe, sounds great. I will try it next time the gang comes over.
hope you're well
regards Zsuzsy
I've seen something similar, but I don't think it has as many yum spices as your recipe. Thanks for sharing.
Here's one for you since you like to snack--simple, but always gone quick:
1 big bag of pretzel round or squares.
1/4 cup butter (or coconut oil), melted
1-2 packages/envelopes of chili seasoning
In an extra-large bowl, mix pretzels and butter/coconut oil together, taking a few minutes to coat the pretzels well.
Sprinkle chili seasoning over all and mix well again.
For an extra treat when there are just a few people to serve, microwave each serving just until warm and serve immediately.
These are even better if made a day ahead. Store loosely covered.
jpcmc, thanks for taking a look and for commenting.
regards Zsuzsy
Wow, great hub. I need to make this soon.
cwarden, we all used to like it hot spicy --- well I still do.
Thanks for stopping in and for commenting.
regards Zsuzsy
There is nothing I like more than a snack recipe that includes hot sauce as an ingredient! WEill have to try to make these on my own - Thanks!!!
Hiya UW, how are you? Unfortunately I can't take credit for 'Bits that Bite' my two older kids made up this name 23-25 years ago... good lord I'm getting old...
take care
Zs
Sounds like a great recipe, I'll have to try it one day.
Love the title of this hub :)
marellen, glad you stopped by. Practice makes perfect... right? We'll have to keep practicing how to make our snacks better... Lets practice making lots and lots of 'Bits that bite'
regards Zsuzsy
I'm also a snacker....grew up that way and will die this way. I'm always talking about buying the healthy stuff but I don't. Maybe someday I will learn and do just that. Its okay to snack, its what you put into your mouth that counts. Now, just to practice what I preach. Good hub.
PR Morgan, it's good stuff... honest
thanks for taking a look and for commenting.
regards Zsuzsy
Merlin I will be over to read your hub as soon as I have a mo.
talk to you soon
ZS
Those sound so good...chile pepper and tobasco, worcestershire...you are killing me!
Hi Zsuzsy,
Don't know if you noticed but this hub of yours inspired one from me
http://hubpages.com/hub/Here-Come-The-Munchies
I linked back to this one.
Merlin, how are you? Cereal would never do for me as a snack because it has become my supper of choice on many a night when I come home from work late and tired and can't be bothered to even heat up a bowl of soup.
Hope you're well
hopefully life will settle itself onto an even keel again soon then I'll have time again to read and play here on hubpages.
regards Zsuzsy
Sherri, once thawed and 're-ovened' you won't be able to tell the difference between the new batch or the previously frozen one.
hope you're well
greetings, say a big hello to your Mom from me
Zsuzsy
Hiya Cags, yum fudge brownies... I'm on my way. For the life of me I have never been able to make a good brownie. Mine always turn out like chocolate cake.
Always glad when you drop in for a visit.
regards Zsuzsy
Hello Bob, yup some of today's movies are way better with a snack or two.
Hope you're well
regards Zsuzsy
Don't feel guilty or alone with what can only be described as Munchiephobia we all suffer to some degree or another and are most susceptible to attack in the evenings and lazy weekends. For some strange reason fresh fruit and veg has no discernable effect and in many cases has actually been known to exacerbate the situation.
My cure is a bowl of cereal and ice cold milk.... Of course this only works for a personal attack and if you were to supply this to a movie group in the evening they might think you’d lost it completely !
Of course you can halve the guilt with half fat cream cheese or sour cream dips with fresh carrot sticks and pieces of fresh raw cauliflower instead of potato or corn chips.
Aha! Shreddies are Wheat Chex (more or less). I've eaten homemade mixes like this, but never made my own. I had no idea they could survive freezing by giving them a return to the oven for crisping. That's every reason to make a batch and have freezer containers on hand just in case.
Love your recipes with their stories. Particularly liked the hollow-leggged teenagers! ~Sherri
Hey Zsuzsy, LOL! Great article and sounds wonderful to make as well. I'm glad to hear that it turned out for the best. I found myself in the mood for snacks too lately, but my snacks are a little different. I ended up making fudge brownies to have whenever and my mother was inspired to make some cupcakes, which is something she hasn't done for years. Enjoyed your story and appreciate you sharing your recipe. :)
I do love a good snack, especially while watching a movie, thanks.
Hiya breakfastpop thanks for dropping in and for commenting.
Hope you're well
regards Zsuzsy
These recipes sound great I am going to print this and give them a try. Thanks.
Hiya Alechouse, how is life treating you? The only problem I have with these Bits that bite is that they are addictive and probably not all that good for me either. Well it's not all bad it does have vitamin C in the lemon juice... hehehe
hope you're well
regards Zsuzsy
Minnetonka Twin, how are you? The kids called it 'bits that bite' because one of the batches we made (in the early trial and error stage of the game) really turned out spicy hot and had quite the bite to it. We all used to like it hot spicy --- well I still do.
Thanks for stopping in and for commenting.
regards Zsuzsy
These (Bits that Bite) sound so good. I know I'm going to love love them.
Hiya Diogenes, always glad when you drop in for a visit. I know exactly what you're saying about the snacking. Last week I had to go shopping for most of the ingredients in this recipe... (except for the spices etc) Oh well, it was worth it though as the kids really enjoyed that trip down memory lane and they each went home with their own 'doggy' bag of left-overs.
Hope you're well
regards Zsuzsy
I love these too but had never heard the name, "bits that bite." Now they call them chex mix and our kids eat them often. I actually had a friend over Saturday night and that was the major munchie of the evening. Oh my goodness, I had almost forgotten about bugles. Thanks for stirring up memories for me as well. I am bookmarking this:)
Cute article. It's a bitch being indoors with the munchies and the cupboard is bare, but I cannot buy snacks, or I eat the lot in one session, so I suffer the pains of the condemned fatty. You know when you are getting really out of shape when friends say "It doesn't matter at your age!" Bob
thom w conroy 9 days ago
This is an excellent recipe for sure, gotta try it very soon! Thanks so much for sharing.