Mexican-Style Nuts and Bolts

"This is a highly addictive snack with a little kick in it. It is very hard to keep a bowl full at parties. Your guests will be coming back for more. For a more robust flavor, keep it in an airtight container for 2 days to let the flavor marinate". - Recipe submitted by Mike D. of Ontario, Canada.

Recipe Ingredients:

1 bag cheddar sticks or cheddar fish crackers
1 box Cheerios brand cereal
1 box Life brand cereal
1 (16-ounce) bag pretzel sticks
1 (8-ounce) bag of barbecue or Cajun flavored sesame sticks
1 (8-ounce) bag of salted peanuts (or a tin of mixed nuts)
1 (8-ounce) bag of barbecue flavored peanuts
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 cups (1 pound) butter, melted
4 tablespoons onion powder
3 tablespoons, plus 1 teaspoon garlic powder
4 teaspoons chili powder
12 drops Tabasco brand sauce

Cooking Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C).
2. In a 12-quart roaster or other very large baking pan, combine the first seven ingredients and mix well.
3. In a bowl, melt butter in the microwave, and immediately stir in the oil, onion powder, garlic powder, chili powder and Tabasco sauce. Stir well until it starts to become pasty. Pour over snack mixture in roasting pan and mix well.
4. Bake for 45 minutes, uncovered, stirring the snack mix every 15 minutes.

Makes 12 quarts.