Sweet Crispix Mix

A fun and tasty snack mix that is easy to whip and even easier to gobble down.

Sweet Crispix Mix

1 (12 oz.) box Crispix cereal
8 oz. pecan halves
11 oz. deluxe mixed nuts
1 cup small pretzels
1 cup cheese crackers (like Cheez-Its)
1 cup butter
1/2 cup light corn syrup
2 cups light-brown sugar
1/2 tsp. baking soda
pinch cream of tartar

Heat oven to 300* F. Spray two baking sheets with non-stick cooking spray. In a large bowl, mix together the cereal, pecans, mixed nuts, pretzels and cheese crackers. Set aside. In a medium-size saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Stir in the corn syrup and brown sugar. Cook and stir for 5 minutes, stirring continuously. Remove from heat and stir in baking soda and cream of tartar. Carefully pour hot mixture over cereal, stirring with a wooden spoon to coat all ingredients. Divide the mixture evenly over both baking sheets. Bake @ 300* F for 15 minutes, stirring twice. Let mixture cool on baking sheets and break apart. Store in plastic bags or sealed containers. Makes 18 cups.

Baked Potato Soup

My Mom made this for a family dinner, and it was hands down the best Baked Potato Soup I had ever eaten because it really did taste like a baked potato! I have tried numerous recipes with this same name, but none of them have ever actually lived up to their title until this one. So go ahead and make it, you won't regret it!

Baked Potato Soup

4 large baking potatoes (about 2 3/4 lb.)
2/3 cup butter
2/3 cup flour
3/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
6 cups milk
1 cup sour cream
1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions
1 lb. bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 cup (4 oz.) shredded cheddar cheese

Bake potatoes @ 350* F for 1 hour until tender. Cool just until able to handle them enough to peel. Cube peeled potatoes and set aside. In a large saucepan, melt butter; stir in flour, salt, and pepper until smooth. Gradually whisk in milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 min. until thickened. Remove from heat; whisk in sour cream. Add potatoes and green onions. Ladle each serving into bowls and garnish each one with bacon and shredded cheese.
Makes 6 servings.
*note* Light sour cream also works wonderfully if you prefer to ease up on the calories a bit. Also the green onions really add something so make sure you don't omit them!