Caramelized Chex Mix

This is one of my husband’s favorites that I stumbled upon one Christmas, trying to find something new to bring to all of the gatherings. It is really good and very simple to make. It is a big batch, but it lasts really well in an airtight container – or you could just plan on using it for more than one event in a week : ) Anyway, we love it, so I thought I would pass it along.

• 9 cups Rice Chex cereal (or generic alternative)

• 9 cups Corn Chex cereal (or generic alternative)

• 2 cups packed brown sugar

• 1 cup butter or margarine (I have even used light margarine)

• 1/2 cup light corn syrup

• 1/2 tsp baking soda (don’t forget this)

• 2 cups M&Ms (or generic alternative)

Heat oven to 250 degrees F. Spray a large roasting pan with cooking spray (if you don’t have the large roasting pan, use 2 9X13 pans or 2 cookie sheets). Measure cereals into pan and mix together.

In a medium saucepan, stir together the brown sugar, cereal, and butter. Cook and stir 8 to 9 minutes over medium-high heat to boiling. Boil 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Stir in baking soda. Pour over cereal mixture, stirring until evenly coated.

Bake 40-50 minutes, stirring about every 15 minutes, until coating is set. Cool 5 minutes. Stir in candies. Spread on waxed paper to cool, about 10 minutes. Break into pieces. Store in an airtight container.

Variations:
I have tried a lot of different things just using what I had on hand at the time, and they have all turned out pretty well. I have used other cereals like Cheerios and Crispix in the mix. I have also added pretzels (see picture) and nuts in place of some of the cereal. The plain M&Ms can also be changed out for other varieties like the peanut and peanut butter M&Ms. All of these variations have turned out to be a hit. My husband enjoys the peanut butter M&Ms more than the plain in the mix. So play around with the recipe to find something that your family will enjoy.