(Family Features) The holiday season is filled with family food traditions, from stuffing and pumpkin pie, to festive cakes and frosted sugar cookies. This year, wow your family, guests and friends with a fun, crunchy twist on the great tastes of holiday favorites.

No one can replace grandma’s classic pie recipe, but have a little fun and surprise your family and friends. With creative takes on traditional dishes, Chex® Party Mix will help you wow your guests with familiar flavors and aromas, served up in a playful way that’s sure to impress.

It’s easy to re-create the taste of each of these treats in a quick, delicious party mix. Visit www.ChexPartyMix.com for more than 150 party mix recipes that can be made in the microwave in just 15 minutes.

Peppermint and Chocolate Chex® Mix

Featuring melted white chocolate, crushed candy canes and a dark chocolate drizzle, it’s easy to add holiday cheer with this festive mix.

Prep Time: 10 Minutes
Start to Finish: 15 Minutes
Makes: 16 servings (1/2 cup each)

• 3 cups Rice Chex® cereal
• 3 cups Chocolate Chex® cereal
• 1 bag (12 ounces) white vanilla baking chips (2 cups)
• 1/2 cup coarsely crushed peppermint candy canes (16 miniature, unwrapped)
• 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips

1. Mix cereals in large microwavable bowl. Line cookie sheet with foil or waxed paper.
2. In microwavable bowl, microwave white vanilla baking chips uncovered on High about 1 minute 30 seconds, stirring every 30 seconds, until chips can be stirred smooth. Stir in half the crushed peppermint candy.
3. Pour over cereal; toss to evenly coat. Spread mixture in single layer on cookie sheet. Immediately sprinkle with remaining candy.
4. Melt dark chocolate chips in microwave on High 50 to 60 seconds or until chips can be stirred smooth; drizzle over top. Let stand in refrigerator until set, about 5 minutes. Gently break into clusters. Store in airtight container.

Chex® Pumpkin Pie Crunch

This recipe is great served in your favorite colorful pie plate. Set the pie plate out on the table with the other dishes, and put a scooper out so guests can help themselves. For party favors, leave small bags next to the pie plate and ask guests to take a bag home for an extra treat later.

Prep Time: 15 Minutes
Start to Finish: 15 Minutes
Makes: 16 servings (1/2 cup each)

• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1/4 cup butter
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 2 cups Cinnamon Chex® cereal
• 2 cups Wheat Chex® cereal
• 2 cups Honey Nut Chex® cereal
• 8 ounces pecans

1. In small bowl, mix brown sugar and pumpkin pie spice; set aside. In small microwave-safe dish, microwave butter on High about 30 seconds or until melted. Stir in vanilla. In large microwavable bowl, mix all cereals and pecans. Pour butter mixture over cereal mixture, stirring until evenly distributed. Add sugar and spice mixture and stir until coated.
2. Microwave uncovered on High 5 minutes or until mixture begins to brown, stirring every minute. Spread on wax paper or a cookie sheet to cool. Store in airtight container. Note: Make mix up to two weeks ahead and store in airtight container.

(Family Features) Need a little warming up after a day out in the cold and snow? The McCormick Kitchens are sharing “hug in a mug”-themed desserts perfect for coming together after a day outside in a winter wonderland. Completely customizable, these treats are a delicious way for the whole family to stay warm this winter.

This Fudgy Raspberry Mug Brownie for two is made in the microwave in less than 10 minutes and topped with whipped cream and raspberries. To enjoy cool mint flavor instead, use peppermint and vanilla extracts in place of raspberry.

For more mug dessert recipes – from candy bar blondies to hot chocolate – visit www.McCormick.com and check out McCormick Spice on Facebook and Pinterest.

Fudgy Raspberry Mug Brownie

Servings: 2

• 3 tablespoons miniature chocolate chips
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 teaspoon milk
• 3/4 teaspoon McCormick Raspberry Extract

1. Microwave chocolate chips and butter in microwavable coffee mug on high 30 seconds or until melted. Stir. Add remaining ingredients; mix well.
2. Microwave on high 45 seconds to 1 minute or until center looks almost set. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

Note: For a Fudgy Peppermint Mug Brownie, replace Raspberry Extract with 1 teaspoon McCormick Pure Vanilla Extract and 1/4 teaspoon McCormick Pure Peppermint Extract.

Caution: Mug may be hot. Use pot holders when removing from microwave.

(Family Features) While every day is cause to celebrate the light, fluffy and buttery goodness of popcorn, the chillier winter season is perfect for popcorn lovers looking for delicious ways to switch up their snacking routines. Break out of your popcorn rut and put some of these tasty popcorn recipes to the test as you try to beat the bluster of winter. Don’t forget to share all that goodness and invite your friends and family to pop on over to celebrate your favorite snack together.

To feel good about the party snacks you serve, check out Orville Redenbacher’s gourmet popping corn, which features high-quality ingredients like real butter and non-GMO, 100 percent whole-grain kernels that pop up lighter and fluffier than ordinary popcorn.

For the best results, follow these popcorn preparation tips:

• Ensure your product is fresh by checking the "Best By" date on your carton or bag of microwave popcorn.
• Use a clean microwave oven every time.
• Because microwave ovens vary, always cook your popcorn to "sound" and listen to the pop to know when to stop.
• To maximize taste, shake the contents of your bag before pouring it into a bowl. This will help coat the popcorn with flavor. And to maximize crispness, be sure to open or vent the bag immediately after cooking.
• Store popcorn in a cool place, such as a cupboard, out of direct sunlight. Always keep popcorn bags sealed in the original plastic wrapper until you're ready to begin cooking.

Find more recipes and fun popcorn facts at Orville.com or on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

1. Cookies and Cream Popcorn Balls – Everyone’s favorite sandwich cookie blends chocolaty crunch with marshmallows and gourmet popcorn for an unbeatable ball of yum.

2. Gigantic Turtle Candies – There’s just one way to make traditional turtle candies better: add the decadent flavor of gourmet caramel popcorn.

3. Salted Caramel Popcorn Bars – Gourmet popcorn and pretzel pieces coated with yummy caramel peanut-butter glaze makes for the perfect sweet and salty combination that will have your mouth watering.

4. Movie Theater Popcorn Candy Bowl – Popcorn may be a movie staple, but when you mix in your favorite theater candies you’ll have a fun blend worthy of critical acclaim.

5. Marshmallow Popcorn Bars with Chocolate Candies – A unique twist on the classic crispy rice treat, these bars offer the perfect light crunch that both kids and adults are sure to enjoy.

6. Popcorn Party Mix – Add a satisfying crunch to your party platter with a zesty blend of peanuts, pretzels and snack mix, along with the delicious taste of the real butter used in Orville Redenbacher’s gourmet popcorn.

7. Crispy Peanut Butter Chocolate Popcorn Squares – This crispy confection made with popcorn, peanut butter and chocolate is sure to become a crowd favorite, so be ready with a back-up batch when the first serving runs out.

Source: Orville Redenbacher's

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(Family Features) Next time you reach for a snack, go for a great-tasting option that delivers on both flavor and nutrition. Sensible snacks can be surprisingly delicious when you choose ingredients wisely.

One pop-ular choice: popcorn. Ideal for between-meal snacking since it satisfies but doesn’t spoil the appetite, popcorn is also the perfect addition to treats such as snack bars and trail mix. The key to smart snacking is finding good-for-you ingredients that make your body healthy and your taste buds happy.

With no artificial additives or preservatives, popcorn is naturally low in fat and calories. The whole grain provides energy-producing complex carbohydrates and contains fiber, providing roughage the body needs in the daily diet.

Find more healthy snack solutions at popcorn.org.

Perfect Popcorn

There’s nothing like the taste of freshly popped popcorn and nothing like the disappointment of burnt popcorn. Follow these simple steps and you’ll have perfect popcorn every time.

• Whether on the stove or in the microwave, popcorn will begin popping in a few minutes.
• When the popping begins to slow, listen until you can count two seconds between pops. Remove the pan from heat or bag from microwave.
• Remember to lift the lid or open the bag away from your face to prevent steam burns.

Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Corn

Yield: 10 cups

• 8 cups popped popcorn
• 3 tablespoons melted butter
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 cup crunchy granola
• 1 cup raisins
• 1 cup walnut halves

1. In bowl, toss popcorn with melted butter.
2. Combine sugar with cinnamon; sprinkle over popcorn. Toss with granola, raisins and walnuts until combined.

Crispy Crunchy Apple Popcorn

Yield: 7 cups

• 6 cups popped popcorn
• 1 tablespoon butter, melted
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 2 cups dried apple chips

1. Heat oven to 300° F.
2. Line 9-by-13-inch baking pan with foil; butter foil. Spread popcorn in pan and drizzle with melted butter; toss popcorn. Sprinkle popcorn with sugar and cinnamon, and toss again.
3. Bake 7 minutes.
4. Sprinkle apple chips over popcorn and heat an additional 3 minutes.
5. Serve warm, or cool to room temperature. Store in airtight container.

Crunchy Popcorn Trail Mix

Yield: 9 cups

• 5 cups popped popcorn
• 3 cups whole-grain oat cereal
• 1/3 cup raisins
• 1/3 cup peanuts (or other nuts)
• 1/3 cup sunflower seeds
• 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter or margarine
• 6 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons light corn syrup

1. In large, microwavable bowl, stir together popcorn, cereal, raisins, nuts and seeds; set aside.
2. In small saucepan, combine butter, brown sugar and corn syrup. Heat until boiling; cook 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Pour over popcorn mixture, stirring to coat evenly. Microwave 3-4 minutes, stirring and scraping bowl after each minute.
4. Spread onto greased cookie sheet; cool.
5. Break into pieces and store in airtight container.

Popcorn Granola Snack Bars

Yield: 16 bars

• Nonstick cooking spray
• 1/2 cup honey
• 2/3 cup peanut butter
• 1 cup granola cereal
• 1 cup roasted and salted peanuts
• 3 cups popped popcorn

1. Line 8- or 9-inch square baking pan with foil. Spray foil lightly with cooking spray; set aside.
2. In large saucepan, heat honey until boiling. Stir in peanut butter until well blended.
3. Remove pan from heat and stir in granola, peanuts and popcorn until coated. Press mixture evenly into prepared pan.
4. Refrigerate until cool; cut into bars to serve.

Yummy Yogurt Popcorn

Yield: 2 1/2 quarts

• 2 1/2 quarts popped popcorn
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/3 cup light corn syrup

1. In large bowl, keep popped popcorn warm.
2. In 2 1/2-quart saucepan, combine yogurt, brown sugar and corn syrup. Cook and stir over medium heat to hard ball stage (250° F on candy thermometer).
3. Pour over popped popcorn, stirring to coat.

Source: The Popcorn Board

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