Remember the savory party mixes we ate as kids? This is similar, but slightly sweet instead. It’s a great way to get your family to eat more cereal. You can use cereals in any proportion you like for this recipe–– as long as they add up to 4 cups.

2 cups gluten-free Rice Chex cereal, by General Mills

1 cup gluten-free pretzels, Ener-G or Glutino

1 cup gluten-free O-shape cereal, Heartland’s Finest CerOs, Perky’s Original O’s, or  NuWorld Amaranth O’s

1 cup chopped dried tropical fruits such as apricots, pineapple, and mango

½ cup dried banana chips

½ cup raw coconut flakes (found in natural food stores)

½ cup nuts, such as almonds, macadamia, or pecans

2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar

2 tablespoons light corn syrup

1 teaspoon canola oil

1 teaspoon vanilla

¼ teaspoon salt

1. Place a rack in the middle position of the oven. Preheat to 300°F.

2. In a 13x9-inch glass baking pan, toss together the cereal, dried fruit, bananas, coconut, and nuts. Set aside.

3. In a small, microwave safe bowl, heat the brown sugar, corn syrup, vanilla, and salt on Low power until the brown sugar is melted. Stir until smooth and pour evenly over cereal mixture, tossing until the mixture is thoroughly coated. 

4. Bake 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes, or until the cereal is lightly toasted. Transfer the mixture to a sheet of waxed paper to cool thoroughly. Makes 12 servings (1/2 cup each)