Christmas Crunch

This is actually called "Puppy Chow" in my family. (For 11 months out of the year anyhow.) But in December, we put a little spin on it, and call it Christmas Crunch. This is similar to the Chex Mix Muddy Buddies, but WAY different. Our version, I have to say, in my opinion, is the best. The difference is, ours doesn't have butter in it, instead it has butterscotch chips. It's so delicious and addicting! I like to keep it in the freezer. . .because it's insanely tasty when it's frozen!

Christmas Crunch
1/2 cup chocolate chips
1/2 cup butterscotch chips
1/2 cup peanut butter
1 box of chex cereal
Powdered Sugar

1. In a large microwave safe bowl, melt together chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, and peanut butter.

2. Add in cereal, and stir till well coated.

3. Add in powdered sugar, top with a lid, and shake like crazy.

4. You may need to add more powdered sugar to get the desired coating.

Auntie Diane's Christmas Caramel Corn

Every year we have the same Holiday routine. Christmas Eve we visit with my Dad's sister (Diane), and then head to my Mom's Sister's (Nancy) house.

My aunt Diane gives us the the same thing for Christmas every year. . .and it's something we all greatly look forward to. I giant bag of her homemade caramel corn, and several loaves of her homemade bread.

She lives over an hour away. . . and it's definitely worth the drive! After two years of inhaling her caramel corn the night we get it, I finally asked her for her recipe. She gave it to me! I rarely make it. In fact, this is only my third time. I still want it to be special when she gives it to us on Christmas! This recipe is similar to the one posted previously, but slightly different.

I highly recommend using air popped popcorn, NOT the microwave bags. It makes the hugest difference to go all homemade. Also, to get the greatest caramel flavor, use all dark syrup and dark brown sugar. Don't forget to sift the popcorn to avoid getting kernels and small pieces in there!

Auntie Diane's Christmas Caramel Corn

1 cup butter

1/2 cup dark corn syrup

2 cups dark brown sugar

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp baking soda

1 tsp vanilla

6 quarts (24 cups) of fresh popped popcorn

1. In a saucepan, combine butter, corn syrup,salt, and sugar.

2. Bring to a boil, and boil WITHOUT stirring for 5 and a half minutes.

3. Add in the baking soda and vanilla, stir, and coat all the popcorn in it.

4. Pour into two shallow baking pans and bake at 250 for about 50 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes.

5. Cool, break apart, and eat!

White Chocolate Dipped Pretzels

Who doesn't know how to dip a pretzel in chocolate? I mean seriously, this is as simple as it gets. . .yet oh so tasty! (And addicting.) I have to say, however, that there is a secret to the most delicious dipped pretzels ever. . .and it's simple. Keebler Butter Spindles Pretzels. I'm not kidding. Once you try it, you'll never go back to the classic shape. It gives your pretzels such a different taste. Guarantee, you'll get hooked!

White Chocolate Dipped Pretzels

1 bag of Keebler Butter Spindles Pretzels
1 2lb pkg. white almond bark
Holiday Sprinkles

1. In a large microwave safe bowl, melt the chocolate.

2. Dip ends of pretzels in chocolate and set on a foil lined pan.

3. Top with Holiday Sprinkles.

4. Put in freezer to set.

Favorite Fall Snack Mix

Ok. . .So I can hardly call this a recipe, I know. But that doesn't mean it's not totally delicious!

Favorite Fall Snack Mix

Candy Corn
Salted Peanuts
M&M's

1. Mix!

2. Eat!

Caramel Chex Mix

Caramel Chex Mix

3/4 cup brown sugar
6 Tbsp butter
3 Tbsp corn syrup
1/4 tsp baking soda
4 cups Rice Chex
4 cups Corn Chex
Optional: Peanuts and Chocolate Chips

1. In a large microwave safe bowl, mix together brown sugar, butter, and corn syrup.

2. Microwave mixture for 2 minutes or until butter is melted. Stir.

3. Add in baking soda. (Mixture will foam.)

4. Mix in Rice Chex and Corn Chex

5. Microwave for an additional 2 to 3 minutes. (Two minutes will make for a chewy caramel mixture, 3 minutes will get harder and add more crunch.)

6. Stir mixture, and pour onto wax paper to cool.

7. Break apart, and enjoy!

NOTE: To use the optional items you can mix in the peanuts with the cereal. After it's done, melt the chocolate and drizzle over mixture.