Thanksgiving Blessing Mix is not a new idea. Many variations can be found on the internet, but I would like to share the recipe that I have used for the past twenty years. Printed in a charming cookbook titled Sweet Surprises for the Holidays 1997, each ingredient is a reminder of the sacrifices made by Pilgrim setters as they struggled to survive in a new land. Tossed together in trail-mix fashion, the salty-sweet mixture is a great pre-Thanksgiving snack.
When my children were growing up, we created a fun tradition of sharing packages of Blessing Mix with our family, friends and neighbors during the month of November. We would simply put the mix in zip-loc bags, but for a fancier presentation, the mix can be scooped into mason jars or other pretty glass jars with a length of ribbon or raffia tied around the neck. We also included a signed note explaining the significance of each ingredient. It’s delightful how something so simple can create so many fun memories. Enjoy!
Thanksgiving Blessing Mix
Ingredients
- 2 cups Bugles brand corn snacks (found in the chip aisle)
- 2 cups pretzels (traditional twist style)
- 1 cup candy corn
- 1 cup dried fruit (raisins, dried cranberries, diced dried apricots)
- 1 cup nuts or seeds (mixed nuts, peanuts, sunflower seeds)
- 1 cup Goldfish brand crackers (any flavor)
Directions
In a large bowl, mix all the ingredients together.
Note: Other ingredients such as dry cereal, miniature crackers, marshmallows or candies (think M&Ms) can also be added.
Recipe Compliments of Sweet Surprises for the Holidays and Cookbooklady.com
The following is the type of message we would include with our Blessing Mix:
Thanksgiving Blessing Mix
Ingredients
- Bugles — Shaped as a cornucopia, they represent the bounteous blessings we now enjoy.
- Pretzels — Symbolize our arms folded in prayer and thanksgiving.
- Candy Corn — Reminds us of the five kernels of corn the Pilgrims were allotted each day during their first winter.
- Dried Fruit — Represents a bounteous harvest.
- Nuts and Seeds — Represent the hope of a bounteous harvest next season.
- Goldfish Crackers — Remind us of the knowledge shared by Native Americans of planting fish along with the seeds to nourish the soil.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Tucked inside the Sweet Surprises 1997 cookbook was a “Dear Abby” newspaper clipping from some years ago:
Wishing you and yours a Happy Thanksgiving! Elaine
FARMER'S WIFE MAGAZINE 
I love the fallish colors of reeses pieces in blessing mix.
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