Movie Night Snack Mix

Happy New Year! Apologies for my short hiatus from the blog. Unfortunately, I suffered from what I like to think of as the blog equivalent of writer's block. 
After the holidays, I was exhausted. The kids returned to school and I imagined that I would fall right back in step with the blog, cooking, taking photos and writing but that just didn't happen. Even worse, I didn't feel like cooking, not even for our nightly family dinners. I felt completely at a loss creatively. Even the business idea I'd been working on, took a back seat. 

Writer's block? ...well, some might even say that I suffered from a small bout of depression because I wasn't doing the things I loved to do. 
Okay...admittedly, I was feeling a bit blue and my writer's block was just the symptom, not the cause. Luckily, the old me is returning as I anxiously prepare new recipes and toss around fun new ideas and actively work on my business idea. I'll share the business idea with you once I work through the details...I'm really excited about it! Personal insight aside, here's a deliciously simple snack mix that's perfect for your family movie nights and birthday parties, or to chase away a small bout of writer's block. (Wink) ...I literally ate a fourth of this very large recipe all by myself and it did make me feel better. :)  I'll warn you though, it's addicting, utterly delicious, and not low calorie! Enjoy!


...Also a perfect snack for the holidays, from Christmas, Valentine's Day, Easter, St. Patrick's Day or Halloween, just add your choice of holiday candy to fit your holiday and enjoy!

Here's a few more of my easy dessert recipes using ready-made ingredients:
Chocolate Cake Mix Cookies
Heath Bar Cookies
S'mores Cellar Cake
Cereal Bars

Cereal Bars

Chocolate Cake Mix Cookies

Heath Bar Cookies

Movie Night Snack Mix
(recipe from Taste of Home Halloween Food and Fun, 2007)


3 quarts popped popcorn*
4 cups Honey Nut Cheerios
4 cups Corn or Rice Chex
2 cups peanuts
1 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup light corn syrup
1/4 cup butter, cubed
2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp baking soda

optional: holiday candy, chocolate chips, candy corn etc. 

*Note: I cheated and used 3 bags of Microwave Butter popcorn and it was amazing just watch out for the un-popped kernels and take extra care not to add them to your mix. You will break a tooth on them! 

In a very large greased roasting pan (I used two large, disposable aluminum buffet pans), combine popcorn, cereal and peanuts and set aside. In a large saucepan, combine brown sugar, corn syrup and butter; bring to a rolling boil. Boil for 6 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat, quickly stir in vanilla and baking soda until mixture is light and fluffy.

Immediately pour over popcorn mixture, toss to coat. Bake uncovered, at 250 degrees for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes. Cool completely.

To customize your snack mix for special events, add seasonal candy (Candy corn, M n M's, chocolate chips etc.) when mostly cooled and mix well. Cool completely and serve.