Magic Mix

    Slowly but surely fall is drifting into East Tennessee.  At our house that can only mean one thing -- it is time to start making Magic Mix!   Magic Mix is an addictive combination of Chex cereal, peanuts, popcorn, M&Ms, and caramel glaze.  I am sure you are wondering just how unique this recipe can be given that some variation of party mix shows up at, well, at every party.  I guarantee you that if you make this just one time you will become a believer in the power of Magic Mix.  Any time I make this snack and share it with someone, inevitably they will end up asking for the recipe.

  In no way can I take credit for creating this recipe or for even finding it in the first place.  My friend Angela (of the famous Angela's Chili) discovered it some time before we kindred spirits found one another.  She says she remembers seeing it on the side of a Chex box several years ago and thinking that it sounded like a recipe worth trying.  When Angela shared the recipe with me the title said "Holiday Party Mix."  That title in no way does justice to how amazingly good this concoction is so it quickly became known simply as "Magic Mix."  Try it just once and you will see why.

The original recipe called for chocolate chips, but Angela made a fateful choice to swap the chocolate chips for M&Ms and we are ALL so grateful for that decision!  It's so fun to use different holiday M&Ms throughout the year.  I always get so excited to see the bags in the fall.  The M&Ms also taste so good when you mix them with the warm mix right out of the oven!

   For my first batch this year, I used these Harvest M&Ms which are just plain M&Ms in autumnal shades:

   My husband goes nuts for anything pumpkin flavored so he suggested we use these new Pumpkin Spice ones we found at Target this year for a second batch:

  I am pretty sure they are sold exclusively at Target.  He loved this batch but I wasn't a huge fan of them.  You can also find Candy Corn flavored M&Ms this year so if you like white chocolate, give them a try!

  Be sure that you have a large roasting pan on hand when you make this recipe.  I bought a large disposable one years ago and it has held up fine.  You want to have plenty of room to stir the mixture as it bakes and as it cools.  Always, always, always spray the pan liberally before beginning.  This recipe makes quite a few servings which I love because it means I can give it away as teacher treats, share it with friends, or take it to a party.  I recently used it as my contribution to a tailgating party.

  When you cook your caramel mixture be sure to follow the directions carefully and let it boil without stirring for 5 minutes.  Once you take it off the stove and add the baking soda and vanilla, you will notice that it sort of "fluffs" up a bit.  That is normal and that is what you want to happen!

  I suggest that you find yourself a party to go to soon or at least one other person to share this with and whip up a batch of Magic Mix.  Your life will feel complete after you do!

Magic Mix

9 cups Chex corn cereal squares
1 1/2 cups lightly salted peanuts (or unsalted)
4 cups popped popcorn (natural, no butter or seasoning.  1 bag of microwaved popcorn yields the perfect quantity)

1 C packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1/2 cup (one stick) butter
1 t. vanilla
1/2 t. baking soda

14 oz  M&Ms (some holiday bags are a bit smaller and this is okay)

Preheat oven to 250 degrees.

Prepare large, deep roasting pan by spraying with non-stick cooking spray.  Coat liberally.

Mix cereal, popped popcorn, and peanuts in roasting pan.

In a small saucepan, combine butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup.  Heat over medium heat and bring to a boil while stirring constantly.  Once the mixture reaches a boil, stop stirring, and allow it to boil for 5 minutes.  Remove from heat; stir in vanilla and baking soda.  Pour evenly over the cereal mixture and stir very well to coat as much of the mixture as you can.

Bake for 45 minutes being sure to stir well every 15 minutes.  Remove from oven and add M&Ms with the cereal mix is still hot.  Stir to combine well.  Cool completely in pan, stirring frequently to break apart mixture.  Store in an airtight container.