Chocolate-Caramel Party Mix

One of Stefin’s favorite holiday snack mixes, modified from a Nestle Toll House recipe.

(Caramels note and a tip: a 14oz. bag = 50 caramels; a serrated knife works best to cut caramels)

Ingredients

  • 2 Cups toasted cereal squares*
  • 2 Cups small pretzel twists
  • 1 Cup dry-roasted peanuts
  • 1 Cup caramels, (about 20) unwrapped, and coarsely chopped
  • 12 Ounces package chocolate chips, (or a blend of peanut butter and chocolate chips)

Instructions

  1. COAT 13 x 9-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.
  2. COMBINE cereal, pretzels, peanuts and caramels in large bowl.
  3. MICROWAVE chocolate/PB chips in medium, uncovered, microwave-safe bowl on MEDIUM-HIGH (70%) power for 1 minute; STIR. Chips may retain some of their original shape. If necessary, microwave at additional 10- to 15-second intervals, stirring just until chips are melted. Pour over cereal mixture; stir to coat evenly.
  4. SPREAD mixture in prepared baking pan; cool for 30 to 45 minutes or until firm. Break into bite-size pieces. Store in airtight container.
  5. If the end result is too “runny” for your taste, add an additional 1/2 c.-1 c. of cereal.