Sweet Valentine Party Mix

Doesn't this look cute and yummy?  I did not invent this recipe, Betty Crocker did.  At least I found it on her website here.  But, I have to admit, I trust Betty for the basics.  You can gussie it up from there.  For instance, although her recipe called for red or pink jimmies, I found that they didn't distribute very well, so I used these cute little pink and red heart shapes instead.  I also used low-fat peanut butter because that's what I had and I couldn't tell the difference.  These are a little bit like "Muddy Buddy's" or "Puppy Chow" but not quite, because you only cover 1/2 the cereal with the powdered sugar.  This appealed to me because I'm not a huge fan of the other.....too messy and maybe a little too sweet for me.  Also, I'm thinking about using Nutella for some of the peanut butter next time.....could that be bad??  Here's Betty's recipe:

Ingredients:
4 1/2 C. Rice Chex cereal
1/2 C. White Vanilla Baking Chips
1/4 C. Peanut Butter
2 Tbsp. Butter or Margarine
1/3 C. Powdered Sugar
1/4 C. M&M's
2 Tbsp. Jimmies, Sprinkles, etc.

Place cereal in medium bowl.  In small microwavable bowl, microwave vanilla chips, peanut butter and butter uncovered on High 1 minute to 1 minute 30 seconds, stirring every 30 seconds, until melted and smooth.   Pour peanut butter mixture over cereal, stirring until evenly coated.

Place 1/2 of cereal mixture in 1 gallon food storage plastic bag.  Add powdered sugar.  Seal bag; shake until well coated. Spread on waxed paper or foil; cool about 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, stir candies and sprinkles into remaining cereal mixture. Spread on waxed paper or foil; cool about 15 minutes.

In serving bowl, mix both cereal mixtures. Store in airtight container.
Makes 11 servings. (1/2 C. each)