Wednesday, September 19, 2001

For a new snacking twist, try Potato Sticks instead of chips

"Mom, what's to eat?"

Those words can strike fear into the hearts of mothers across America, especially after school and on weekends. To make matters worse, it may not be only the kids: husbands who work up ravenous appetites watching football and friends arriving for holiday parties also look to you to provide snacks that taste great and are fun to eat.

And with a hectic schedule, adding "portability" to the snacking issue only makes it more difficult. What's a mother to do?

For a new twist on an old snacking stand-by, French's Potato Sticks. They offer the great taste of chips in regular or barbecue flavor, but are more fun, more convenient and less messy.

Need a quick snack while you're on your way to soccer practice? Something for the long drive to Grandma's for the weekend? How about a quick snack to add to school lunches?

Potato Sticks come in a resealable canister and in single-serving bags, so they can go anywhere, anytime to satisfy the snacking needs of your family. Other great ideas for Potato Sticks include using them to add a fun crunch as a topper for sandwiches, or as an exciting Halloween treat for neighborhood kids.

Here are two recipes you can make ahead of time. One will suit the tastes of younger children and the other is easy enough for teens to make on their own.

Teddy Bear Party Mix

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

4 cups crisp cinnamon graham cereal

2 cups honey flavored teddy-shaped graham snacks

1 can (1 1/2 ounces) French's Potato Sticks

3 tablespoon butter, melted

2 tablespoon French's Worcestershire Sauce

1 tablespoon packed brown sugar

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 cup sweetened dried cranberries or raisins

1/2 cup chocolate, peanut butter or carob chips

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly spray jelly-roll pan with nonstick cooking spray. Combine cereal, graham snacks and potato sticks in large bowl.

2. Combine butter, Worcestershire, sugar and cinnamon in small bowl; toss with cereal mixture. Transfer to prepared pan. Bake 12 minutes. Cool completely.

3. Stir in dried cranberries and chips. Store in an air-tight container. Makes about 7 cups.

Zesty Party Snack Mix

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 6 minutes

4 cups oven-toasted corn cereal squares

2 cans (1-1/2 ounces each) French's Potato Sticks

1 cup honey roasted peanuts

1/4 cup French's Worcestershire Sauce

2 tablespoon Frank's Original RedHot Cayenne Pepper Sauce

3 tablespoon melted butter or corn oil

1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt

1. Place cereal, potato sticks and peanuts in 3-quart microwave-safe bowl. Combine melted butter, Worcestershire, RedHot sauce and seasoned salt in small bowl; mix well. Pour butter mixture over cereal mixture. Toss well to coat evenly.

2. Microwave, uncovered, on high for 6 minutes, stirring well every 2 minutes. Transfer to paper towels, cool completely. Store in airtight container. Makes about 6 cups.

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