• By Trevor J. Adams
• Score
• Origin Dec/Jan

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“I recall around age 8 or 9 watching my mother sit down a tray of egg salad sandwiches at a church event, alongside three identical trays,” Trevor says. “‘Hmm, we could be more creative,’ she observed. Ever the helpful son, I kept that in mind when I bought her Christmas gift, and found a little vanity-press cookbook with a name like 100 Ambitious Snacks & Appetizers! 

As it emerged, most of the recipes were ludicrously ambitious (‘Who the heck has foie gras?’ sighed Mom), but Nuts and Bolts, the DIY version of store-bought Bits & Bites snack mix, became a Christmas favourite. Customizable, scaleable in huge quantities, and a great gift. Making it always marked the start of our family’s holiday season.”

He also notes that this is the original recipe from the early 1980s, a more salt-loving era, so most everyone who makes it puts a spin on it: “Look at it as a starting point.” You may wish to substitute unsalted nuts or swap seasonings for less salty versions, such as garlic powder for garlic salt, or add paprika, a few twists of pepper, maybe a dash or two of hot sauce. A little maple syrup or sugar takes it in a sweeter direction.