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A Christmas Crack Fairytale

A Christmas Crack Fairytale

Come close, my babies.  OMT has a tale to tell.

Once upon a time, two years ago to be exact, My sister-in-law made us a Christmas surprise that at first glance seemed nothing more than a healthy snack of nuts and raisins.

~YAWN~

When I looked upon it, I may or may not (totally may) have rolled my eyes.

I don’t want your healthy snack, madam!  Nay!  Not when there are chocolate Santas that need my attention!

I immediately advised Husband that he could have it.

Need More Christmas Crack in Your Life?

Southern Manners

Then, for some odd reason, perhaps it was my Southern politeness kicking in (Yep, I have some of that.), I decided to at least taste the twigs and roots mishmash, so that I might thank her accordingly.

What happened next, I can only explain thusly: I went blind as I spoke to the angels, declaring my sin of poor judgement, because that taste…that marvelous melding of flavor, that unexpected Hallelujah chorus…made me sorry I had acted rashly in my offer to Husband.

I quickly withdrew my generosity and advised him we would be sharing.

Spiced Cranberries And Almonds

The concoction, formally known as a Sandra Lee recipe named Spiced Cranberries and Almonds, but since renamed (by me) Christmas Crack, was one of the best homemade gifts I’d ever received.

Printable recipe below

Christmas Crack

Ingredients

  • 3/4 stick butter (6 tbsp)
  • 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup
  • 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp nutmeg
  • 1/2 tsp ginger
  • 1/2 tsp ground cloves
  • 2 cups Craisins
  • 3-4 cups almonds/pecans
  • 1/2 cups unsweetened coconut flakes

Instructions

  1. Melt butter, brown sugar, and maple syrup in a large pot over medium heat. Stir in spices.
  2. Take off flame.
  3. Add nuts, Craisins and coconut flakes. Stir to coat all ingredients well.
  4. Spread mixture on a greased baking sheet.
  5. Bake at 350° for 20 minutes.
  6. Transfer to bowl when cooled and serve.

NOTES

* Store in airtight container with lid.

* OMT assumes no responsibility for any addictive behavior stemming from eating Christmas Crack.

Christmas Crack

Christmas Cracker

I know there is a recipe for what is called a Christmas Cracker, but this delicious snack should never be confused with that otherworldly crack.

Get yer crack straight!

Christmas Crack

When my sweet s-i-l discovered that I had renamed her recipe Christmas Crack, she was horrified.

She’s a proper woman, you see; she would never use such language.

I tried explaining my coarseness and told her that it meant I couldn’t live without it, that it’s addicting on first sample, that it’s all I think about.

She remained horrified, but also weirdly complimented (my family = they’ve learned to live with me).

Homemade Holiday Gift

I say holiday, but really it’s an any day gift.

Listen to me, my babies: if you have a disagreeable neighbor, a pinched-faced boss, a distant family member that you want to win over, or you just want something wonderful for yourself, THIS IS THE GIFT FOR ANY OCCASION (um, Valentine’s Day is a’comin’).

When the recipients of your generosity turn into blue birds of happiness because of your Christmas Crack gift, you can thank me with an extra tin left on my porch.

Christmas Crack in a white dish on a white background with text included

A Christmas Crack Fairytale

Yield: 6-8 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Additional Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

A delicious holiday snack of spiced almonds and cranberries.

Ingredients

  • 3/4 stick butter (6 tbsp)
  • 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup
  • 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp nutmeg
  • 1/2 tsp ginger
  • 1/2 tsp ground cloves
  • 2 cups Craisins
  • 3-4 cups almonds/pecans
  • 1/2 cups unsweetened coconut flakes

Instructions

  1. Melt butter, brown sugar, and maple syrup in a large pot over medium heat. Stir in spices.
  2. Take off flame.
  3. Add nuts, Craisins and coconut flakes. Stir to coat all ingredients well.
  4. Spread mixture on a greased baking sheet.
  5. Bake at 350° for 20 minutes.
  6. Transfer to bowl when cooled and serve.

Notes

* Store in airtight container with lid.

* OMT assumes no responsibility for any addictive behavior stemming from eating Christmas Crack.

Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6-8 Serving Size: 1 of 8
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 576Total Fat: 39 ggCholesterol: 23 mgmgSodium: 9 mgmgCarbohydrates: 53 ggFiber: 10 ggSugar: 37 ggProtein: 12 gg

Nutrition information isn’t always accurate.

Original Post: September 18, 2018 ~ Updated Post: December 18, 2023

Deliciousness

SOOOO GOOOD!

One more thing.

If I had happened across this recipe on my own, I would have dismissed it, DISMISSED IT!, because:

#1) I’m not a fan of Craisins (blech)

#2) it includes coconut

While I’m a big fan of the c-nut, many people aren’t.

The thing is neither Husband or I knew it was in our mix.   I emailed s-i-l to ask why she had omitted the coconut.  She hadn’t; it was in there.

Somehow in the cracky mix of nom, it worked.

No, go on.  Git.  Make a batch and give it to someone you need to impress, or that you want to trick into marriage.

Seriously, it’s that good.

Need More Christmas Crack in Your Life?

Thus ends our Christmas Crack Fairytale!

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A Non-Stick Silicone Baker's Mat = A Happy Baker

Wednesday 24th of September 2014

[…] year for Christmas I received an unexpected gift from Boy that I honestly thought I’d never use; I got a […]

Laura@baking in pyjamas

Sunday 9th of February 2014

I love festive spices and would gobble this down within minutes. Thanks for linking up to Sweet and Savoury Sundays, stop by and link up again this weekend.

Mrs. Tucker

Sunday 9th of February 2014

It packs way more flavor punch than I ever imagined!

Impish Me

Sunday 2nd of February 2014

oOoh yummy! Thanks for sharing ^_^

Mrs. Tucker

Sunday 2nd of February 2014

Enjoy!

Shannon - AKA Design / Bloggers & Brands

Saturday 1st of February 2014

This does look very delish! Thank you for linking up to the Weekend re-Treat Link Party! xo, Shannon akadesign.ca bloggersandbrands.net

Crystelle

Thursday 30th of January 2014

Oh my! This recipe looks scrumptious. I bet it tastes really good as Superbowl Crack as well!! :) hugs x, Crystelle crystelleboutique.com

Mrs. Tucker

Thursday 30th of January 2014

It's deeeeeelicious!

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