Recipe: Chexicago Party Mix (microwave)

CHEXICAGO PARTY MIX

3 cups Corn Chex cereal
3 cups Wheat Chex cereal
2 cups Chocolate Chex cereal
2 cups bite-size square cheese crackers, divided use
3 cups cheese popcorn, divided use
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.

Makes 30 servings (1/2 cup each)
Source: Richard S., Waterford, CT. - finalist in the Chex Party Mix Recipe Contest, 2009