Chocolate Coffee Toffee Snack Mix

I'm a cereal box reader from way back. Since my parents wouldn't let me bring my book to the breakfast table, I poured over the available reading material.

I still read the back of cereal boxes. And this time of year, I'm always looking to see what new recipes Chex has come up with in the General Mills test kitchens.

Other than having to stand all day, working in a test kitchen might be fun. OK, the backache I'd have at the end of the day would not be fun. But I would definitely volunteer to try the finished products, especially on days when coffee, toffee and chocolate were involved.

I made this mix and sold it at the UMW Bazaar last month. I may just have to make it again for Christmas.

I still make the traditional Chex Party Mix in the oven. But I do love the speedy microwave preparations those test kitchen wizards have come up with these days.

Enjoy!

Chocolate Coffee Toffee Chex Mix

4 cups Chocolate Chex cereal
2 cups Cinnamon Chex cereal
1 cup bite-sized pretzel twists
1 cup pecan halves
1/2 cup toffee bits
1 tbsp. instant coffee granules or crystals
1 tsp. hot water
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1/4 cup butter
1 cup powdered sugar

In large bowl, mix cereals, pretzels and pecans. Sprinkle toffee bits on top of the cereal mixture.

In small microwavable bowl, stir coffee granules and water until coffee is dissolved. Add chocolate chips and butter. Microwave, uncovered, on High 1 1/2 minutes, stirring after 1 minute, until mixture is smooth. Pour over cereal mixture; stir gently until evenly coated. Pour into 2-gallon resalable food-storage plastic bag.

Add powdered sugar. Seal bag; shake gently until well coated. Spread on waxed paper or foil to cool. Store in airtight container.

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I'm linked to the Farm Chick's kitchen today.