Crunchy Cereal Snack Food

NUT-FREE RANCH-FLAVORED CRISPY CEREAL SNACK MIX

Steps:

• Combine the buttermilk powder, garlic powder, onion powder, 2 teaspoons salt and the cayenne in a small bowl. Toss together the cereal, peas, bagel chips and pretzels in a large microwave-safe bowl.
• Microwave the butter, lemon zest, chives and parsley in a microwave-safe small bowl on high for 30 seconds; stir, then microwave until the butter is melted, about 15 seconds more. Stir in the vinegar. Pour the mixture over the cereal mixture, and toss well to coat. Sprinkle the buttermilk powder mixture on top, and toss well to coat.
• Microwave the snack mix on high for 2 minutes; stir, then microwave for 3 minutes more, stirring well every 45 seconds or so. Spread the mixture on a large rimmed baking sheet, and let cool and dry for 10 minutes before packing into airtight containers. The mix will keep for 2 days at room temperature.

CRUNCHY CEREAL TRAIL MIX

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Toss the puffed rice, puffed wheat, Chex, puffed millet, oats and coconut on a large rimmed baking sheet. Bake 5 minutes.
• Meanwhile, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the honey, cinnamon and salt.
• Pour the butter mixture over the cereal mixture and gently stir with a rubber spatula. Return to the oven; bake until golden brown, 3 to 5 minutes. Let cool completely; store in an airtight container.

SWEET AND CRUNCHY POPCORN SNACK MIX

Steps:

• Line a large baking sheet with waxed paper.
• Combine crispy corn and rice cereal, honey graham cereal, peanut butter corn puff cereal, popcorn, chocolate pieces, and peanuts in a large bowl.
• Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat; whisk in flour until smooth, 2 to 3 minutes. Add brown sugar and corn syrup; bring to a boil, stirring occasionally, until sugar is dissolved, about 1 minute. Stir peanut butter into sugar mixture until creamy, about 3 minutes; pour over cereal mixture and gently toss until coated.
• Spread cereal mixture over prepared baking sheet and allow to cool, about 30 minutes. Once cooled, break mixture into chunks and store in an airtight container.

CHEERIOS CRUNCH SNACK

Steps:

• Melt margarine in 3-quart saucepan over low heat. Stir in brown sugar. Cook, stirring constantly, until thick and smooth.
• Stir in cereal. Cook 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly, until cereal is coated.
• Spread mixture in thin layer on ungreased cookie sheet. Cool 1 hour. Crumble mixture, and serve as snack. Store in airtight container.