Whistle Punk Brewing shares popular pub mix recipe

The pub mix at Whistle Punk Brewing is routinely met with rave reviews.

Brewer and owner Craig Hanson, who runs the brewery and pub with son Matt, found the recipe more than 15 years ago. His wife, Jeneen Hanson, has adapted it throughout the years.

“I would always make it for get-togethers with our friends, and they encouraged me to put it in the tap room,” she said. “The original recipe calls for 2 cups nuts, but with allergies, I left these out. Sometimes, I substitute the spice garam masala for the cinnamon. I think original recipe called for Cheez-Its, but we like the cheese whales” – that is, Cheddar Goldfish crackers – “better.”

Be warned, though, the cayenne gives it a bit of a kick.

Whistle Punk Pub Mix

1/4 cup butter, melted

4 tablespoons maple syrup

3/4 cup brown sugar

1 tablespoon coarse salt

2 teaspoons cayenne

1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon or substitute garam masala

2 cups Wheat Chex

2 cups Rice Chex

2 cups Corn Chex

2 cups pretzels

2 1/2 cups popcorn

1 1/2 cups Cheddar Goldfish crackers

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Mix together all of the ingredients through cinnamon, then add that mixture to the dry ingredients and mix well. Spread on baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes, stirring once half-way through.

Note: Do not use a dark pan, do not bake more than one pan at a time, and take care. This recipe burns easily.