Harvest Hash
The Harvest Hash is a delightful mix of salty and sweet that’s perfect for snacking or gifting during Thanksgiving and Halloween. This treat captures the essence of fall with its crunchy textures and a hint of sweetness from the Reese’s Pieces. Easy to make and incredibly versatile, Harvest Hash can be enjoyed at parties, family gatherings, or even as a cozy night in.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: With just 30 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this tasty snack mix in no time.
- Perfect Balance of Flavors: The combination of salty peanuts and sweet candies creates an irresistible taste that everyone will love.
- Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether it’s for Halloween, Thanksgiving, or a fun fall gathering, this Harvest Hash fits right in.
- Easily Customizable: Feel free to mix in your favorite nuts or candies for a personal touch!
- Great for Gifting: Packaged nicely, this harvest hash makes a thoughtful gift for friends and family.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into creating your Harvest Hash, gather your tools to make the process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large bowl or roasting pan
- Medium-sized saucepan
- Candy thermometer
- Cookie sheets
- Parchment paper
Importance of Each Tool
- Candy thermometer: Ensures your butter and sugar mixture reaches the perfect temperature for that delightful chewy texture.
- Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup effortless after baking your Harvest Hash.
Ingredients
The perfect mix of salty and sweet! Harvest Hash is great for snacking on and gifting at Thanksgiving and Halloween!
For the Base Mix
- 1 box of Crispix
- 1 bag of Bugles
- 1 cup roasted and salted peanuts
For the Sweet Mixture
- 1/2 cup salted butter
- 2 cups brown sugar
- 1 cup corn syrup
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
How to Make Harvest Hash
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 250 degrees F. Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper or grab a large roasting pan!
Step 2: Combine Base Ingredients
In a large bowl or the roasting pan, combine the Crispix, Bugles, and peanuts. Mix them together until evenly distributed.
Step 3: Prepare the Sweet Mixture
In a medium-sized saucepan:
1. Combine the butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup.
2. Boil until it reaches the soft-ball stage on a candy thermometer.
Step 4: Add Flavoring
Once it has boiled:
1. Remove from heat.
2. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Pour the butter and sugar mixture over the Crispix mix. Stir thoroughly until all pieces are well coated.
Step 6: Transfer to Baking Sheets
Transfer your mixture to two large sheet pans lined with parchment paper. If using a roasting pan, it’s ready to go into the oven!
Step 7: Bake
Place in the oven for one hour, stirring halfway through to ensure even cooking.
Step 8: Cool Down
Remove from oven and let it cool completely. Stir every 15 minutes during cooling to prevent hardening.
Step 9: Add Final Touches
Once cooled, sprinkle in the Reese’s Pieces for that final touch of sweetness!
How to Serve Harvest Hash
Harvest Hash is not only delicious but also versatile. It’s perfect for snacking on during movie nights, serving at parties, or gifting during the holidays. Here are some creative ways to serve this sweet and salty treat.
For Snacking
- Movie Night Munchies: Serve Harvest Hash in a large bowl for easy sharing while enjoying your favorite films.
- Game Day Goodies: Place it in individual cups for guests to grab while cheering on their team.
As a Dessert Topping
- Ice Cream Delight: Sprinkle Harvest Hash over vanilla ice cream for an added crunch and flavor.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layer it in yogurt with fruit for a delightful breakfast or snack option.
Holiday Gifting
- Gift Bags: Package Harvest Hash in festive bags tied with ribbons to share with friends and family during Thanksgiving or Halloween.
- Party Favors: Use small jars filled with Harvest Hash as thank-you gifts for guests at your holiday parties.
How to Perfect Harvest Hash
Perfecting your Harvest Hash can elevate its taste and make it even more enjoyable. Here are some tips to ensure you get the best results:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh peanuts and chocolate candies to enhance the flavor and texture of your mix.
- Monitor Cooking Time: Keep an eye on the cooking time to avoid burning the mixture; stirring halfway is crucial.
- Cool Gradually: Let it cool in stages by stirring every 15 minutes, which helps maintain its crunchiness.
- Experiment with Add-ins: Consider adding dried fruits or other nuts for extra flavor variations.
Best Side Dishes for Harvest Hash
Pairing side dishes with your Harvest Hash can create a well-rounded snacking experience. Here are some delicious options that complement its flavors:
- Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses such as cheddar, brie, and gouda pairs beautifully with the sweet and salty notes of Harvest Hash.
- Vegetable Crudités: Fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, and bell peppers provide a crunchy balance to the sweetness of the hash.
- Fruit Skewers: Seasonal fruits like apple slices and grapes add a refreshing touch alongside this snack mix.
- Mini Sandwiches: Bite-sized sandwiches filled with turkey or ham offer a savory contrast to the sweet elements of Harvest Hash.
- Popcorn Bar: Flavored popcorn options like caramel or cheese can be a fun addition that complements the mix’s texture.
- Trail Mix Bowls: Create small bowls of assorted nuts, seeds, and dried fruits for a healthful side option that still satisfies cravings.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Harvest Hash can be simple, but a few common mistakes might ruin your delicious mix. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Overmixing ingredients: Stirring too aggressively can break the Crispix and Bugles. Mix gently to keep them intact.
- Skipping the cooling step: Allowing the mix to cool properly ensures it doesn’t harden into a clump. Stir every 15 minutes as it cools!
- Not measuring accurately: Incorrect measurements can throw off the flavor balance. Use measuring cups for precision.
- Ignoring oven temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can lead to uneven cooking. Stick closely to 250 degrees F for best results.
- Forgetting to line pans: Not lining your pans with parchment paper can make cleanup difficult. Always use parchment to prevent sticking.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Harvest Hash in an airtight container.
- It will stay fresh for up to one week in the refrigerator.
Freezing Harvest Hash
- You can freeze the Harvest Hash in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- It lasts for about three months when frozen.
Reheating Harvest Hash
- Oven: Preheat to 250 degrees F and warm for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 15-20 seconds, stirring between each session.
- Stovetop: Gently reheat on low heat, stirring constantly until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Harvest Hash:
What is Harvest Hash?
Harvest Hash is a delightful snack mix that combines sweet and salty flavors, perfect for fall gatherings or holiday snacking.
How long does it take to make Harvest Hash?
The total time to prepare and cook Harvest Hash is about 1 hour and 30 minutes, including prep and baking time.
Can I customize my Harvest Hash?
Absolutely! You can add different nuts, seeds, or even dried fruits according to your taste preferences.
What other snacks pair well with Harvest Hash?
Harvest Hash pairs wonderfully with warm apple cider or pumpkin spice lattes during the fall season!
Final Thoughts
Harvest Hash is an easy yet delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Its sweet and salty combination makes it a favorite among family and friends. Feel free to customize it with your preferred ingredients for a unique twist! Give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!
Harvest Hash
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x
Description
Harvest Hash is the ultimate cozy snack mix that perfectly balances sweet and salty flavors, making it a delightful treat for any fall gathering. This easy-to-make snack is ideal for sharing during Halloween parties or Thanksgiving celebrations. With crunchy textures from Crispix and Bugles, combined with the sweetness of Reese’s Pieces, Harvest Hash captures the essence of autumn in every bite. Whether you’re snacking during a movie night or gifting this tasty treat to friends and family, it’s sure to be a hit. Customize it with your favorite nuts or candies for a personal touch!
Ingredients
- 1 box of Crispix
- 1 bag of Bugles
- 1 cup roasted and salted peanuts
- ½ cup salted butter
- 2 cups brown sugar
- 1 cup corn syrup
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup Reese's Pieces (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 250°F and line two cookie sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix Crispix, Bugles, and peanuts until well combined.
- In a saucepan, combine butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup; boil until it reaches the soft-ball stage on a candy thermometer.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
- Pour the sweet mixture over the cereal mix and stir until evenly coated.
- Spread onto prepared baking sheets (or use a roasting pan) and bake for one hour, stirring halfway through.
- Let cool completely before mixing in Reese's Pieces.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup (60g)
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
