Caramel Chex

This is one of those recipes that everyone asks for. It never fails, Birthdays, Superbowl Parties, even fishing with my husband, no matter where I take Caramel Chex, people rave about it! Besides its extreme yumminess, there are several reasons I love this recipe. First, it doesn’t require too many ingredients, and most of them I usually have on hand – as long as I remember the two brown paper bags from the grocer’s checkout. With this in mind, I always ask the checker for four bags, that way I always have two secretly tucked away just incase. Second, you end up with a ginormous (gigantic plus enormous) mountain of Caramel Chex, which is a good thing because it never ever lasts long. And , it is so easy to wrap up and give as gifts (which everyone seems to love). In fact, some of my husband's colleagues put in special birthday treat  requests. Trust me, you will want to try these!

First, open paper bags and place one inside of the other. Pour both boxes of Chex into the bags. Set aside.

Cover table or counter top with wax paper. Spray with non-stick cooking spray. Bring the first three ingredients to a boil on the stove in a large kettle, stir frequently as not to burn.

When everything is all melted and incorporated, take off of heat and add vanilla and baking soda.

Stir until foamy.

Pour over the double bagged Chex. Roll down top and shake well. Microwave for 2 minutes and shake well. Microwave for 2 more minutes and shake again. Make sure to turn the bag on all sides each time you shake to spread the caramel. Open bag and check to make sure the caramel is spread evenly throughout the Chex. If not, shake it up again.

However, you should be able to dump the Chex onto the sprayed wax paper.

Doesn't that look good? Gently spread the Chex around a little. Give the mix a stir every once in a while as it cools, so that it doesn’t dry in one huge clump.

This is usually the time that the nibbling begins. I always have little, and even big fingers sneaking tastes and hear lots of “uhmmmms” and once in a while “this is the bestest snack ever, huh,” from my little ones.  Not to worry, even with the nibbling, there's plenty!

I always have enough for either 2 big bowls, 2 gallon-sized bags, or one of each!

And don't forget, it makes great gifts!

Caramel Chex

1 pound butter
3 cups brown sugar
1 cup white corn syrup
2 (14 oz.) boxes of corn Chex cereal
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 brown paper bags from your grocer’s checker

First, open paper bags and place one inside of the other. Pour Chex cereal into bags and set aside. Cover table or counter top with wax paper. Spray with non-stick cooking spray. Bring the first three ingredients to a boil on the stove in a large kettle, stir frequently as not to burn. When everything is all melted and incorporated, take off of heat and add vanilla and baking soda. Stir until foamy. Pour over the double bagged Chex. Roll down top and shake well. Microwave for 2 minutes and shake well. Microwave for 2 more minutes and shake again. Make sure to turn the bag on all sides each time you shake to spread the caramel. Open bag and check to make sure the caramel is spread evenly throughout the Chex. If not, shake it up again. However, you should be able to dump the Chex onto the sprayed wax paper. Gently spread the Chex a little. Give it a stir every once in a while as it cools, so that it doesn’t dry in one huge clump.

Now to give credit where credit is due. My mom has this friend, Wanda, and even though she doesn't cook a lot, she seems to have a knack for fun entertaining recipes. Kudos to Wanda for this one!