Caramel Chex Party Mix

Ingredients

• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup butter (1 stick or cube)
• 1/4 cup corn syrup (can substitute honey for a little different flavor)
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 7-8 cups Chex (about 3/4 of a 14 oz box)- Corn, Wheat, Rice, any kind (if not adding pretzles, use a whole box of Chex)
• 2- 3 cups pretzles
• 1 cup toasted almonds, or any kind of toasted nut you want
• 1 1/2 cups M&M’s- I used plain, but peanut, or peanut butter would work too

Instructions

1. In a microwave safe mixing or measuring bowl (about 4 cup size), add the butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, and salt. Microwave for 2 minutes. Stir, then microwave for another 1 1/2 -2 minutes. Stir. Add the baking soda and vanilla. Stir again.
2. Pour the cereal, pretzles, and toasted nuts into a large, brown paper grocery bag. Pour the caramel sauce over everything in the bag, shaking lightly as you go. Using a rubber scraper get all the caramel sauce into the bag. Then roll the top of the bag shut, and shake the bag to cover the contents with the caramel.
3. Microwave the bag for 1 minute 15 seconds, with the top still rolled shut. Remove the bag and shake it again to mix. Microwave again for 1 minute, with the bag still rolled shut. Shake again. Microwave again for 30 seconds.
4. Pour the contents of the bag onto a greased cookie sheet. Let cool for a minute or two. Before completely cool sprinkle the M&Ms over top and carefully stir together with a fork or spoon.
5. Once cooled carefully transfer the Chex Mix to a bowl or serving dish. Store in an airtight container when not eating.
6. Note: Each microwave varies in strength. Cooking times may need to adjusted plus or minus 10-30 seconds. As long as you don’t smell the caramel burning, you should be ok.