Caramel Crispy Chex Mix

If you need a little snack for your sweet tooth, or a simple potluck party dish, this recipe is quick, easy and delicious. There are other fun recipes at http://www.chexmix.com/ (just be sure to adjust your microwave times if needed--see cake in a mug post--or you could end up scorching a whole batch like me). Be sure to read the yummy variation at the end, too.

4 1/2 cups Rice Chex® cereal
4 1/2 cups Corn Chex® cereal
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup butter or margarine
1/4 cup light corn syrup
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup M&Ms

1. In large microwavable bowl, place cereals.

2. In 2-cup microwavable measuring cup, microwave brown sugar, butter and corn syrup uncovered on High about 2 minutes, stirring after 1 minute, until melted and smooth. Stir in baking soda until dissolved. Pour over cereal, stirring until evenly coated.

3. Microwave uncovered on High 5 to 6 minutes, stirring and scraping bowl after every minute, just until cereal begins to brown. Cool 5 minutes; stir in candies. Spread on waxed paper to cool; break into bite-size pieces. Store in airtight container.
Makes 20 (1/2 cup) servings

1 Serving: Calories 200 (Calories from Fat 60); Total Fat 7g (Saturated Fat 4 1/2g, Trans Fat 0g); Cholesterol 15mg; Sodium 180mg; Total Carbohydrate 32g (Dietary Fiber 0g, Sugars 20g); Protein 1g % Daily Value*: Vitamin A 8%; Vitamin C 4%; Calcium 6%; Iron 25% Exchanges: 1/2 Starch; 1 1/2 Other Carbohydrate; 0 Vegetable; 1 1/2 Fat Carbohydrate Choices: 2 MyPyramid Servings: 1 tsp Fats & Oils
*% Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet

VARIATION: Turn this into easy, no mess caramel popcorn!  Pop 2-3 bags microwave popcorn. Empty into a large brown paper shopping bag. Cook caramel as above in step 2 in a four cup ziplock/gladware/tupperware dish, but after stirring in baking soda, let the mixture sit for a minute or two and watch it bubble up. When it has about doubled in size, pour it over the popcorn, fold down the top of the paper bag, and shake to coat. Pour into a bowl or eat straight out of the bag. So fast and easy you could make it at work...