This Valentine's Day Cherry Muddy Buddies Snack Mix is awesome for the classroom or for you and your sweetie to snack on.
Ingredients
1/2 cupM&M candiesred, white, and pink
1/4cupdried cranberriesor cherries
1/2cupconversation hearts
For the Kettle Corn
¼cupoilsuch as canola
¼cupgranulated sugar
½cupuncooked popcorn kernels
¼teaspoonssalt
1-2Tablespoonsunsalted buttermelted
For the Cherry Muddy Buddies
8cupsrice Chex cereal
16ounceschocolate melting wafersor almond bark
1 3/4cupconfectoiners sugar
1/4cupunsweetened cocoa powder
1packageinstant cherry gelatin mix3.4 ounces
Instructions
Prepare Kettle Corn
Heat oil over medium-high heat in a heavy pan.
Add 3 popcorn kernels to the oil, shaking pan every few seconds until the 3 kernels pop.
Add sugar and stir constantly until it is close to dissolved, about 10-15 seconds.
Quickly add ½ cup popcorn kernels and cover with lid.
Shake pan five times and let rest for 2 seconds. Repeat until popping stops.
Immediately pull pan off heat and pour popcorn into a large bowl.
Toss with ¼ tsp. salt. If desired, add 1-2 Tbsp. melted butter and drizzle over the top for extra flavor. Set kettle corn aside to harden and cool.
Prepare Cherry Muddy Buddies
In a microwave-safe bowl, microwave the chocolate melts for 45 seconds. Remove from the microwave and stir. Continue to microwave in 10 second increments, stirring in-between, until chocolate is melted and smooth.
In a large bowl, combine Chex and melted chocolate, stirring until all the Chex are completely coated.
Use a large gallon sized ziploc baggie, add powdered sugar, cocoa and gelatin powder. Shake to mix. Add in the chocolate coated Chex and shake until fully coated. Store in covered container until ready to serve.
Prepare Snack Mix
In a large bowl combine Kettle corn, Cherry Muddy Buddies, M&M's, Dried cranberries, and Conversation heart candy. Add as much or little of each item as you like - there is no right or wrong here!