Spicy Pretzels

I usually make my husband his favorite dinner on Father's Day.  But this year, I wanted to make something that our boys could help with.  Now, I've mentioned that my four-year-old doesn't like food so trying to get him to help in the kitchen is kind of like trying to convince him that the dentist is his friend and a toothbrush is a super cool prize worthy of being in a super cool pirate type treasure chest. My three-year-old is a bit of a maverick - you really never know what you're going to get and he has an uncanny fascination with discussing what will happen if he sticks his hand in the flames on the stove so I wanted to think of something that would not likely result in a trip to the emergency room.  I decided on these little beauties and figured that the kids could help and could also make some containers for the pretzels.

Spicy Pretzels


1 pkg ranch dressing mix
1 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tsp lemon pepper seasoning
1 tsp garlic powder
3/4 cup canola oil
2 ten-twelve ounce bags of pretzels

In large mixing bowl, combine spices.  Add oil and mix well.  Put pretzels in bowl - do not dump as you'll add all the salt from the bottom of the bag and that's not good.  Stir gently - this is where I thought the boys could help but guess what?  They don't really understand "stir gently" does not mean crush the pretzels and fling the seasoning onto the ceiling and have a sword fight with the spoon.  Stir the pretzels every 15 minutes or so for about 2 hours.  I know that sounds like a lot but you'll be addicted to them and not leaving the bowl anyhow so how hard will it be to stir them while you're standing there?

Now for your containers, you can decorate a Pringles can like this.

Or maybe a Chinese take-out container like this.

Perhaps you are thinking my small boys are arts and crafts geniuses.  No.  Here are their containers.

Sadly, they are about as artsy & craftsy as I am photography-ey, bless their little hearts.  Truth be told, I'm not artsy & craftsy, either.  My dear friend made the Pringle can for me.  She's that friend who has up-to-date scrapbooks for both her children.

Brown paper lunch bags, clear cello bags, or even a bowl will work.  Look around and use your imagination. What I do not recommend is grabbing your two preschoolers, your dear friend and HER two preschoolers and heading to Michael's for inspiration.  They do not appreciate it.  Trust me on that.

Oh and as harrowing as my pretzel and craft project was, I'll still make my husband a real dinner for Father's Day.  And stop by tomorrow for another treat for Dad - this one made with what else?  Bacon.