Shelly's Recipe

CHICAGO STYLE PARTY MIX

Category: Snacks / Crackers / Chips

3 cups Corn Chex cereal
3 cups Wheat Chex cereal
2 cups Chocolate Chex cereal
2 cups bite-size square cheese crackers
3 cups cheese popcorn
1/4 cup butter
1/3 cup light brown sugar or molasses
1/3 cup light corn syrup
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Mix cereals, 1 cup of the cheese crackers and 2 cups of the popcorn in large, microwavable bowl. Set aside.

Place butter, brown sugar, corn syrup and salt in 2-cup microwavable measuring cup. Microwave on High 1 minute 30 seconds. Stir; microwave on High until bubbling. Remove from microwave; stir in baking soda. Mixture will foam up, but keep mixing until baking soda is dissolved. Pour over the cereal mixture; stir until fully coated.

Microwave on High 4 to 5 minutes, stirring after every minute. Spread on waxed paper-lined baking sheet. Let cool for about 5 minutes to let caramel fully harden. Stir in remaining 1 cup cheese crackers and 1 cup popcorn.

NOTE: If you like a lighter caramel, use the brown sugar. If you like a darker, heavier caramel, use the molasses. I like the variation in the flavor, so I withhold a cup of cheese crackers and popcorn until after cooking.