Holy yum! I have loved making my own snack mixes lately. For some reason, I never have really done this in the past. Not sure what has spurred me on this year, but I’m loving it! This batch is coated in cinnamon sugar (my favorite) and is done in under ten minutes.  Need a quick snack for your tailgating party? This recipe is for you!

Making your own snack mix is so much more cost effective than buying a bag of pre-made mix, especially if you have a large family or are making it for a party. It seems more expensive up front because you have to buy all sorts of ingredients, however there is many more servings when you make it on your own. Not only that, you can alter the recipe to your tastebuds. Not a fan of almonds? Leave them out. Don’t have M&Ms? Add chocolate chips! You get the idea, these recipes are really flexible.

This would be a great treat to package in small bags or mason jars and deliver to your neighbors this fall. They’d probably love the sweet surprise.

Ingredients: 

• 3 cups rice Chex cereal
• 3 cups mini pretzels
• 2 cups apple cinnamon Cherrios
• 1/2 cup candied almonds
• 1/2 cup candied pecans
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1-1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1 cup M&M candies

Directions: 

1. In a large bowl add the Rice Chex, pretzels, and Cherrios. In a small bowl combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon, stir until well blended, set aside.
2. In a small, microwave-safe bowl combine the brown sugar, butter and honey and microwave on high for 1 minutes or until melted. Stir to mix and pour over cereal. Stir gently until evenly coated. Place in microwave and microwave on high for 3-4 minutes, stirring after every minute. Sprinkle cinnamon sugar mix over the cereal and gently stir until evenly coated. Pour cereal mix on parchment-paper lined sheet pan and spread into a even layer and allow to cool completely. Once it is cool, add nuts and M&M candies. Break up party-mix and store in an airtight container.