Crunchy Caramel Snack Mix

Name: Crunchy Caramel Snack Mix
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 3 quarts.
Ingredients: 6 cups popped popcorn; 3 cups Crispix; 2 cups Cheerios; 1-1/4 cups pecan halves; 1-1/4 cups dry-roasted peanuts; 1 cup packed brown sugar; 1/2 cup butter, cubed; 1/4 cup light corn syrup; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon baking soda

"This recipe is a sure-fire hit with all ages," relates Lauren Biggs of Suwanee, Georgia. "The popcorn-and-nut combination is great for packaging in sandwich bags and selling at bake sales."

Ingredients

6 cups popped popcorn
3 cups Crispix
2 cups Cheerios
1-1/4 cups pecan halves
1-1/4 cups dry-roasted peanuts
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup butter, cubed
1/4 cup light corn syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon baking soda

Directions

In a greased roasting pan, combine the popcorn, cereals and nuts. In a large saucepan, bring the brown sugar, butter and corn syrup to a boil. Boil until a candy thermometer reads 250° (hard-ball stage), about 5 minutes.
Remove from the heat; immediately stir in vanilla and baking soda. Drizzle over popcorn mixture; toss to coat. Transfer to a greased 15x10x1-in. baking pan. Bake, uncovered, at 250° for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes. Store in airtight containers.

Editor's Note

We recommend that you test your candy thermometer before each use by bringing water to a boil; the thermometer should read 212°. Adjust your recipe temperature up or down based on your test.

Nutrition Facts

1 cup: 395 calories, 25g fat (7g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 387mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 3g fiber), 6g protein.

Originally published as Crunchy Caramel Snack Mix in Quick Cooking March/April 2004

Reviews

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PrestonCountyCook

Jan 3, 2011

My family loves this recipe. I rarely add the popcorn and just use a mixed nut mixture rather than the different type of nuts. We quite often take it on road trips as a snack. Very easy to make and it is delicious.