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A Snack Happenin' Holiday
Family Fun, Gifts and Traditions

The Original Chex Party Mix, Chex Caramel Corn and Candy-Sprinkled Marshmallow Chex Mix

(Family Features) - 'Tis the season to celebrate family traditions. One family in particular, that of Richard and Lynda Petty, is all about honoring tradition. From the generations of racecar drivers to the distinctive "Petty Blue" color of their cars, the Petty family truly embodies the essence of family tradition.

Another Petty family tradition involves Chex® Party Mix. For more than 40 years, the Pettys have made the Original Chex Party Mix recipe a part of their holiday gatherings. When the festive season arrives, Richard, Lynda, the kids and grandkids get together to mix up a big batch of the oven- toasted favorite. The holidays at the Pettys' wouldn't be the same without that combination of three different flavors of Chex cereal with bagel chips, nuts, pretzels and favorite seasonings.

Throughout the holiday season, there are opportunities to use many of these easy, flavorful recipes. So, whether you're planning a cozy night at home with the kids or a festive holiday gala with friends and family, these holiday recipes will quickly become traditions in your home.

The Original Chex Party Mix

6 tablespoons butter or margarine
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 1/2 teaspoons seasoned salt
3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
3 cups Corn Chex cereal
3 cups Rice Chex cereal
3 cups Wheat Chex cereal
1 cup mixed nuts
1 cup pretzels
1 cup garlic-flavor bite-size bagel chips or regular-size bagel chips, broken into 1-inch pieces

Heat oven to 250°F. Melt butter in large roasting pan in oven. Stir in seasonings. Gradually stir in remaining ingredients until evenly coated. Bake 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes. Spread on paper towels to cool. Store in airtight container. 12 cups snack mix.

Chex Caramel Corn

4 1/2 cups Corn Chex or Rice Chex cereal
4 cups popped popcorn
1/2 cup honey-roasted peanuts, if desired
1/4 cup butter or margarine
6 tablespoons packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons light corn syrup
1/4 teaspoon vanilla

Heat oven to 250°F. Mix cereal, popcorn and peanuts in large roasting pan; set aside. Heat butter, brown sugar, corn syrup and vanilla to boiling in 2-quart saucepan over medium heat, stirring frequently. Pour over cereal mixture, stirring until evenly coated. Bake 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes. Spread on waxed paper to cool, stirring occasionally to break up. Store in airtight container. 9 1/2 cups snack mix.

Candy-Sprinkled Marshmallow Chex Mix

6 cups popped popcorn
4 cups Corn Chex or Rice Chex cereal
1 jar (7 ounces) marshmallow creme
20 red or green hard peppermint candies, coarsely crushed (1/2 cup)

Heat oven to 350°F. Spray cookie sheet with cooking spray. Mix popcorn and cereal in large bowl; set aside. Microwave marshmallow creme in medium microwavable bowl, uncovered, on High 1 minute; stir. Microwave about 1 minute longer or until melted; stir. Pour over popcorn mixture, stirring until evenly coated. Sprinkle with candies. Spread mixture on cookie sheet. Bake 5 minutes; stir. Bake about 5 minutes longer or until coating is light golden brown. Spread on waxed paper or aluminum foil to cool. Store in airtight container up to 2 weeks. 10 cups snack mix.

Important: Because microwaves cook differently, times are approximate.

Gift and Serving Ideas

This year, you can throw an easy and low-stress holiday party with simple decorations and food. Better yet, you can make preparing for the party a fun family activity.

Foil-Wrapped Box. This quick, easy gift wrapping idea makes quite an impact. You can mass-produce it if you're giving several gifts or spend more time customizing a box.
Painted Canning Jar. If you're planning to ship your favorite Chex holiday recipe cross-country or want to keep it fresh for the holidays at home, a decorated jar will do the trick.
Wicker Basket. Create a holiday inspired wicker-serving basket full of your family's favorite Chex holiday recipe. The colorful ribbons and flowers can be customized to suit the merry season.
Wreath-Painted Bowl. Add a dash of color to your hors d'oeuvres table with a hand-painted serving bowl. Use your creativity to make snowmen, holly leaves and berries or other designs that represent the holidays for your family.

For more detailed instruction on these holiday gift and serving ideas and for additional Chex recipes, visit www.chex.com.

SOURCE: General Mills Cereal