Chexicago Party Mix (My Chex Recipe Contest Finalist)

My recipe for Chexicago Party Mix is a finalist in the in the Chex Party Mix Recipe contest, It was inspired by Chicago Blend popcorn; a tasty cheese and caramel mix. It's Salty & Sweet and ready to eat in 15 minutes! You can vote once a day from Sept 15 – Oct 15, 2009. Vote Chex® icago, Vote Today! Vote for Chexicago Party Mix at www.ChexRecipeContest.com

• Ready In: 15 mins
• Serves: 12

Ingredients

• 3  cups  Corn Chex
• 3  cups  wheat  Chex cereal
• 2  cups  chocolate  Chex cereal
• 2  cups  Cheez-It crackers
• 3  cups  smartfood cheese  popcorn
• 1⁄4 cup butter
• 1⁄3 cup light brown sugar or 1⁄3 cup molasses
• 1⁄3 cup light corn syrup
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄2 teaspoon baking soda

Directions

1. Mix cereals, 1 cup of the cheese crackers and 2 cups of the popcorn in large, microwavable bowl. Set aside.
2. Place butter, brown sugar, corn syrup and salt in 2-cup microwavable measuring cup. Microwave on High 1 minute 30 seconds. Stir; microwave on High until bubbling. Remove from microwave; stir in baking soda. Mixture will foam up, but keep mixing until baking soda is dissolved. Pour over the cereal mixture; stir until fully coated.
3. Microwave on High 4 to 5 minutes, stirring after every minute. Spread on waxed paper-lined baking sheet. Let cool for about 5 minutes to let caramel fully harden. Stir in remaining 1 cup cheese crackers and 1 cup popcorn and serve.