Valentine Party Mix

We take Chex Mix very seriously in this house. My husband's grandmother used to make the original Chex Mix recipe every Thanksgiving and Christmas and we love it (including our kiddos who often come running when they hear the sound of cereal hitting a metal pan). To say my husband is a purist about the mix is putting it lightly. No bagel chips, thank you. No ranch seasoning. And you better hightail it out of town if you think you are going to suggest lemon and rosemary in Chex Mix.

Oh Target, let me count the ways I love you.

However, he also really loves Reese's peanut butter cups so I figured that cereal mixed with peanut butter and melted chocolate could be worked into the rotation. Change is good.

Meltage, Mixage, Coolage

I had this Valentine version at book club a couple of weeks ago and it opened my eyes to the possibility of using seasonal holiday sprinkles to dress up the mix. If you are crazy enough to sign up to be the room mom every year love supporting your kiddo at school, something like this is golden. You could package this up in little bags to give away or bring it for a Valentine's party. It goes without saying that it would be cute with any holiday sprinkles. I strongly recommend that you make the 1/2 recipe listed below unless you are serving this to more than a dozen people. It's pretty sweet and a little goes a long way.

Valentine Chex Mix from Betty Crocker

4 1/2

cups Rice Chex® cereal

1/2

cup white vanilla baking chips

1/4

cup peanut butter (I used natural nutty peanut butter without any problems)

2

tablespoons butter or margarine

1/3

cup powdered sugar

1/4

cup red, white and pink candy-coated chocolate candies

2

tablespoons red or Valentine-themed sprinkles

Place cereal in medium bowl. In small microwavable bowl, microwave vanilla chips, peanut butter and butter uncovered on High 1 minute to 1 minute 30 seconds, stirring every 30 seconds, until melted and smooth. Pour peanut butter mixture over cereal, stirring until evenly coated.

Place 1/2 of the cereal mixture in 1-gallon food-storage plastic bag. Add powdered sugar. Seal bag; shake until well coated. Spread on waxed paper or foil; cool about 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, stir candies and sprinkles into remaining cereal mixture. Spread on waxed paper or foil; cool about 15 minutes.

In serving bowl, mix both cereal mixtures. Store in airtight container.

Makes 11 servings (1/2 cup each)

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