MSG-Free Party Mix

MAKES ABOUT 8 CUPS

One of my favorite website readers requested a Chex Mix recipe a while ago, saying it was the snack she missed the most after being diagnosed with migraine. (Finding this mix without MSG or soy sauce is impossible!) I wasn’t quite sure how this one would turn out, but I was pleasantly surprised with the results. Coconut aminos isn’t actually made from coconut, but from the sap of a coconut blossom. Many find they can tolerate this ingredient quite well as an alternative to soy sauce. If you don’t have access to coconut aminos, just substitute homemade stock or broth.

4 cups plain Chex cereal (I use the rice and corn varieties)

1 cup unsalted sunflower seeds, toasted

5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

2 tablespoons coconut aminos or broth

1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar

2 teaspoons garlic powder

1 teaspoon celery seeds

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon kosher salt

½ teaspoon chili powder

¼ teaspoon ground turmeric

3 cups plain Cheerios

1–2 cups plain popped popcorn

In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the Chex, sunflower seeds, melted butter, coconut aminos, vinegar, garlic powder, celery seeds, smoked paprika, salt, chili powder, and turmeric. Microwave on high power for 2 minutes. Add the Cheerios to the bowl, then stir everything thoroughly. Microwave for another 2 minutes, then stir everything together again. Stir in the popcorn and microwave for 1 final minute.

Allow the party mix to cool before serving. It will be super crunchy at the point it is cool.