Inspired by a spicy-hot snack mixture sold by East Indian markets in the United States, we played around with the "back of the box" recipe for Chex Mix and came up with the following. The sesame sticks called for are often included in cans of mixed nuts, but they are also found, without the nuts, in boxes or the bulk bins at natural foods stores and supermarkets. If you can't find them, substitute additional cereal.

　　

Ingredients

Makes about 12 cups

　　6 cups mixed Chex cereals (rice, whole-grain, and corn)

　　1 1/2 cups sesame sticks* if desired

　　1 1/2 cups small thin pretzels

　　1 cup pecans

　　1 cup roasted peanuts

　　1/2 stick (1/4 cup) unsalted butter

　　1 tablespoon soy sauce

　　2 teaspoons curry powder

　　2 teaspoons sugar

　　1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon cayenne

　　1/4 teaspoon salt

　　available at natural foods stores and many supermarkets

　　

Step 1

Preheat oven to 250°F.

　　

Step 2

In a large bowl toss together cereals, sesame sticks, pretzels, and nuts. In a small saucepan melt butter with soy sauce over moderately low heat and whisk in curry powder, sugar, cayenne, and salt. Drizzle butter mixture over cereal, tossing well, and spread in a shallow roasting pan. Bake mixture 1 hour and transfer to a bowl to cool completely. Party mix keeps in an airtight container 1 month.