Published November 20, 2025
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As we prepare for Thanksgiving and the Holiday season, lots of attention goes to the turkey and the other stars of the big dinner. As important as those dishes are, we also need to plan for the snacks! What are we going to eat while waiting for the guests to arrive? During the big game? On a cozy evening after all the guests have gone back home?
Try Grandma Ruth’s Recipe
One of my favorite holiday treats are Gizzies, also known as Nuts and Bolts, or Chex Mix.I’m not too proud to eat Chex Mix from the store, but the holidays offer the chance to create something tastier, and customized to your family’s preferences. Below is my family’s recipe, handwritten by my Grandmother, Ruth Gladhart.
Grandma Ruth Gladhart’s Gizzies Recipe
Over the years, we have made a few modifications:
- more Tabasco sauce
- less celery salt
- no wheat Chex
- extra cashews
- no vegetable oil (but more butter)
There are no rules in this kind of cooking. Just be sure you have an extra large bowl to mix the ingredients without spilling or crushing (my grandmother recommended a canning kettle).
The recipe also calls for 3 hours of baking at 250F to get the flavors fully integrated, so you’ll want to pair this recipe with something that does not require your undivided attention. A football game or holiday movie night should work perfectly. Do I even need to mention a glass of wine?
If you are having trouble reading the hand-written recipe, click here to enlarge or this recipe should get you started!
