Baked Snack Mix

• 1 box (18 cups) Rice Chex (generic is fine)
• 8 cups popped Popcorn
• 3 cups Mixed nuts
• 2 cups packed light brown sugar
• 2 sticks (1 cup) butter
• 1 cup light corn syrup
• 2 t. baking soda
• 2 cups of each kind of chocolate chips or other candies.

Directions:

Whatever desired.

Preheat oven to 250 degrees. Grease large roasting pan. Mix cereal, popped corn, and nuts in roaster. Combine brown sugar, butter, and corn syrup in medium, heavy-duty saucepan. Bring to boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Boil, without stirring, for 5 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla and baking soda (mixture will foam up). Pour evenly over cereal mixture, stir to coat evenly.

Bake 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes. Cool completely in pan, stirring frequently to break apart mixture.

Stir in chocolate chips/candies. Store in an airtight container.

Note: The original recipe was for half this amount. The doubled version fills a large roaster. You can use peanuts instead of mixed nuts and chocolate covered pretzels with the chocolate chips, if desired. I like adding more candies (Different kinds of M&M's are especially good, as is candy corn in the fall.) The best thing about this recipe is that it's so flexible. Just add to suit your favorites!

By Robin