Maple Pecan Snack Mix Food

MAPLE-GLAZED SNACK MIX

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 250°. In a large bowl, combine cereals, pretzels and pecans. , In a small microwave-safe dish, combine maple syrup and butter. Cover and microwave on high 45 seconds or until butter is melted. Stir in vanilla. Pour over cereal mixture and toss to coat., Transfer to a 15x10x1-in. baking pan coated with cooking spray. Bake 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes. Cool on a wire rack. Store in an airtight container.

MAPLE BACON SNACK MIX

Steps:

• Line 2 sheet pans with waxed paper, then set aside.
• Add the popcorn, bacon, pretzels and nuts to a large bowl. Mix and set aside.
• Add the sugar, butter, maple syrup, corn syrup and salt to a large, heavy-bottomed pot fitted with a candy thermometer and place over a medium-low heat. When the butter has melted, stir together, then turn up the heat to medium-high. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the candy thermometer reads "hard-crack stage" (300 degrees F), 4 to 5 minutes.
• Remove from the heat and stir in the maple extract. Carefully pour over the snack mix and toss using two wooden spoons. Transfer to the prepared sheet pans and spread out to allow it to cool, about 10 minutes. Break into clusters and transfer to a large serving bowl.

MAPLE PECAN POPCORN

Steps:

• Toss popcorn and pecans in a large bowl.
• Line bottom of a 17-by 11-inch 4-sided sheet pan with foil, then lightly oil foil.
• Melt butter in a small heavy saucepan over medium heat. Add maple syrup and salt and boil (still over medium heat), without stirring, until thermometer registers 300°F, 15 to 20 minutes.
• Pour syrup over pecans and popcorn, stirring briskly with a lightly oiled spoon or silicone spatula to coat, then immediately spread popcorn in pan in 1 layer. Cool completely, then break into bite-size pieces.

MAPLE PECAN BARS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°. In a large bowl, combine flour and confectioners' sugar. Cut in the butter until crumbly. Press into a greased 15x10x1-in. baking pan. Bake until edges are lightly browned, 12-15 minutes., Meanwhile, in a large heavy saucepan, combine brown sugar, butter, syrup, cinnamon and salt. Bring to a boil. Cook and stir over low heat until butter is melted. Stir in pecans, cream and vanilla. Remove from the heat; spread over crust., Bake until bubbly, 20-25 minutes longer. Cool on a wire rack. Cut into bars.