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.

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 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.

Continue to Content

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.

Print

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.

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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.

Thus ends our Christmas Crack Fairytale!

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