Sweet, sweet goodness!

I haven't been hit by too many cravings yet in my pregnancy... but there have been a few - chips & queso, Taco Bell, frosted circus animal cookies, french fries - I'm the poster-child for healthiness.

This morning, I have an overwhelming urge for Sweet Cereal Mix. It's all I can think about... and I'm frustrated that there's nothing I'm going to do about it, because we'll be out of town this weekend (and I really need to fit into that airline seat!).

It's one of those goodies that I only make this time of year (well, usually only at Christmastime, but I think I'm going to have to stretch it a little this year into November and January, too). My mom first started making it a few years ago, and it's quickly become a family favorite.

If you make this, I promise you will love it... and you'll have a hard time staying out of it - it's just that good!

Sweet Cereal Mix

INGREDIENTS

Candy thermometer
4 c. Special K
5 c. Corn Chex
4 c. Cheerios
4 c. Rice Krispies
2 c. sugar
1 c. butter
3/4 c. light Karo Syrup
Dash of salt
1 c. heavy whipping cream

DIRECTIONS

1. Measure out cereals, and combine in one large bowl. (Separate into 2 bowls, if you don't have one that can accommodate the cereals.)
2. In a medium saucepan, melt sugar, butter, Karo Syrup, and salt together.
3. Bring melted mixture to a boil, and add whipping cream. (Add slowly while boiling - don't let it stop boiling.)
4. Cook to soft ball stage - 230 degrees.
5. Pour mixture over your cereals, and stir together to combine.
6. Spread on a cookie sheet to cool.
7. Store in an airtight container.

TIPS

• Buy enough ingredients to make at least two batches... maybe not all at once, but enough to do it again, because you will want to!
• Generic cereals work fine for this recipe, when you can't find the name brands on sale.
• After you've established that you and your family love this, make sure you can find a good hiding place for your second batch - this stuff is addictive! (But, it IS good for you, because your cereals are all fortified with vitamins and minerals... just pretend there's no butter, sugar, or cream in it. ;)