Sweet & Salty Valentine's Day Party Mix

I hope you all have been enjoying the onslaught of pink and red Valentine's Day treats this week.  I have to say, I've really had fun going all out for the holiday.  

For my last treat of the week, I wanted to focus on a different crowd--the kids!  Don't you all remember how fun your school Valentine's parties were?  I used to love decorating a shoe box until I truly believed it was the most fantastic pink and red "mailbox" ever.  I loved picking out what character would be on the valentines I gave my classmates.  (Barbie for the girls and G.I. Joe for the boys.  Every year.  Hooray for the 80s.)  Most of all, I just couldn't wait until the day of the party arrived and we got to exchange those valentines, then tear into our mailboxes and read each and every one of them while I munched on all the pink and red cookies, candy, and cupcakes I could handle.  Pure innocent fun.

If you've got a kiddo with a class party coming up, this party mix would be a fantastic valentine.  (Please check first if your child's school allows homemade treats and/or if any children in the class have a peanut allergy.)  I've even seen printables (here and here) that can be stapled over the top of a goodie bag to make an all-in-one valentine.  Who wouldn't love getting that valentine in their special shoe box mailbox?

 

A classic sweet and salty party mix all fixed up for the cutest homemade Valentine's  Day party treat.

Valentine's Day Party Mix

adapted from Betty Crocker

Ingredients:

7 c. Rice Chex cereal
2 c. mini pretzels

1 c. white chocolate chips

1/2 c. smooth peanut butter

1/4 c. butter

3/4 c. confectioners' sugar

3/4 c. Valentine's candy-coated chocolate pieces

1/4 c. Valentine's sprinkles (any shape or variety, optional)

Directions:

1.  Place cereal and pretzels in a very large bowl.  In a spearate, small microwavable bowl, microwave baking chips, peanut butter and butter, uncovered, on high for 1 minute.  Stir, then continue heating in 30 second intervals, stopping each time to stir, until mixture is completely melted and smooth.  

2.  Pour peanut butter mixture over cereal, stirring until evenly coated.

3.  Place 1/2 of the cereal mixture in 1-gallon plastic bag. Add powdered sugar, seal, and shake until well coated. Spread on waxed paper or foil to cool, 15-20 minutes.

4.  Meanwhile, stir candies and sprinkles into remaining cereal mixture. Spread on waxed paper or foil to cool, 15-20 minutes.  

5.  In serving bowl, mix both cereal mixtures. Store in airtight container or divide among 20 individual baggies (approx. 1/2 c. per baggie) and tie with festive ribbon.