Holiday Party Chex Mix

Ingredients

9 c. oven-toasted corn cereal squares (I omit the toasting part because I've burned it too many times)
4 c. popped popcorn
1 1/2 c. dry-roasted peanuts
1 c. packed light brown sugar
1/2 c. butter
1/2 c. light corn syrup
1 t. vanilla extract
1/2 t. baking soda
1 2/3 c. (10 oz. pkg) Nestle Toll House Swirled Holiday Morsels*
1 pkg. (7.5 oz.) chocolate-covered pretzels (In original recipe - NOT gluten free!)
     
*These are only available during the holidays and are hard to find.  Substitute half semi-sweet and half white chocolate chips for a similar taste.

Directions

Preheat oven to 250.  Grease large roasting pan (I use a cookie sheet).  Mix cereal, popped popcorn, and peanuts in a large bowl.  Combine brown sugar, butter, and corn syrup in medium, heavy-duty sauce pan.  Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.  Boil, without stirring, for 5 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla extract and baking soda.  Pour evenly over cereal mixture; stir to coat evenly.  Put into prepared pan and bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes.  Cool completely in pan, stirring frequently to break apart the mixture.  Stir in morsels and pretzels (I like to add these when the mixture is almost completely cool because then some of the morsels melt a little).  Store in airtight container.

Kettle Corn

Found on allrecipes.com. Another favorite of mine. Or should I say staple?

Ingredients:

1/4 c vegetable oil (I use canola)
1/4 c sugar
1/2 c popcorn kernels

Directions:

1. Heat oil and 3 popcorn kernels over medium heat in a large pot. Cover with lid.
2. Wait until the kernels in the pot have popped (now you know the oil is hot enough), then quickly add sugar and remaining kernels.
3. Cover. Holding the pot (with pot holders), alternate between leaving the pot on the burner for 3 seconds and shaking pot vigorously for 3 seconds. Continue until popping slows. Remove from heat and shake  until popping stops.
4. Pour in large bowl, sprinkle on some salt, stir, and enjoy.