Need an allergen-free savory snack mix for a school party, picnic, or after-school snack? Try making this one with the kids for a crunchy mix the whole family will love to munch on. It's quick, easy, and fun -- and it's free of all top 8 food allergens, and gluten-free, making it a great safe choice. It's also loaded with fiber and protein, so feel no guilt when you discover it's also addictive!

Ingredients

2 cups corn checks (I use Health Valley brand*)

2 cups rice checks (ditto)

2 cups Perky O's (a gluten-free cereal, NOT made with oats)

1 cup allergen-free pretzels (Ener G makes wonderful wheat-free, gluten-free pretzels called Wylde Pretzels)

2 cups salted roasted pumpkin seeds

1 Tbsp. molasses

1 Tbsp. cider vinegar

1/8th tsp. cayenne pepper

1/2 cup safflower oil (or canola oil, or sunflower oil)

1/2 tsp. garlic powder

1 tsp. onion powder

1 tsp. celery salt

Preheat oven to 250 degrees. Combine corn checks, rice checks, Perky O's, pretzels, and pumpkin seeds in a large bowl. Toss gently.

Combine molasses with cider vinegar and cayenne pepper. Blend well. In a large heavy pan, heat safflower oil over medium heat. Add molasses mixture and blend. Add garlic powder, onion powder, and celery salt. Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring, about 2 minutes. Add cereal mixture and gently turn with a wooden spoon until all the cereal mixture is coated.

Remove from heat and divide between two cookie sheets, spreading out mix into a thin layer.

Bake 45 minutes, gently turning mix with a spatula every 15 minutes. When done, spread out onto paper towels to cool. Store in an airtight container. Makes about 18 1/2 cup servings.

*Because each person's food sensitivity and reaction is unique, ranging from mild intolerance to life-threatening and severe food allergies, it is up to the consumer to monitor ingredients and manufacturing conditions. If manufacturing conditions, potential cross contact between foods, and ingredient derivatives pose a risk for you, please re-read all food labels and call the manufacturer to confirm potential allergen concerns BEFORE consumption. Ingredients and manufacturing practices can change overnight and without warning, making my information quickly out-of-date.