Holiday Party Mix

A friend asked me to make some of my snack mix for Valentine's Day. This is a great recipe and you can include candy to match any holiday or event. It is very similar to Cracker Jack's.

9 cups oven-toasted corn cereal squares
4 cups popped popcorn
1 ½ cups dry-roasted peanuts
1 cup packed light brown sugar
½ cup butter or margarine
½ cup light corn syrup
1 tsp, vanilla extract
½ tsp. baking soda
1 ¾ cups M&M or chocolate chips
1 ½ cups of white chocolate covered pretzels

Preheat oven to 250o. Grease large roasting pan.
Mix cereal, popped popcorn and peanuts in a large bowl. Pour into prepared pan. Combine brown sugar, butter and corn syrup in a medium, heavy-duty saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Boil, without stirring for 5 minutes. Removed from heat; stir in vanilla extract and baking soda. Pour evenly over cereal mixture: stir to coat evenly. Bake for 45 minutes, stirring ever 15 minutes. Cool completely in pan, stirring frequently to break apart mixture. Stir in M&M and Choc. Pretzels. Store in airtight container. Makes about 5 quarts.