Caramel Apple Cheerio Picnic Mix

The folks at Cheerios asked me to come up with a breakfast or springtime experience my family will love using Original Cheerios and seasonal ingredients.  Mine turned out a little fall like but is a GREAT addition to picnics or park outings - which are certainly spring like!  My girls couldn't get enough of this!

 

 Caramel Apple Cheerio Picnic Mix

6 cups Cheerios

1 cup caramel bits (or regular wrapped caramels)

½ cup dried apples, diced

3/4 cup dry roasted peanuts, lightly salted

1 cup powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 Tablespoon + 1 teaspoon water

large paper bag for mixing

 In a large bowl, melt caramel with vanilla, and water in the microwave. Cook on high for 30 second intervals, stirring in between. Stop when all ingredients come together – about 1 ½ minutes.

 Add 4 cups Cheerios and ½ cup peanuts to the caramel mixture and stir to coat.  I like some of the ingredients not coated to balance out the sweetness but if you like it really sweet, you don't have to reserve any and coat it all.

 Put ½ cup powdered sugar in a brown paper bag. Put the Cheerio mixture on top of the sugar and the last ½ cup sugar on top. Fold the bag over may times and shake to coat Cheerio mixture.

Empty into a clean bowl, add remaining Cheerios, peanuts and dried apples. Stir gently and serve.

Bring on a picnic - it's yummy and portable!  Perfect for you next outing.

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