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Sweet New Year Party Mix

We're hosting our 4th New Years Day party for our family and friends this year. Each year I simplify the menu because we have noticed that people tend to drink more and eat less. The first year we didn't serve alcohol, just cider and tons of food and we had way too many leftovers. Slowly we've upped the beverage selection (this year, mulled cider, wine and hot chocolate) and decreased the food (just black bean dip with fresh crudite, organic tortilla and kettle chips, clementines, chocolate truffles, a selection of nuts and candies, popcorn, cookies and this party mix. Yeah I know, we'll probably still have too much food!

Not only does this taste great, but it makes your house smell fantastic. It is a cinch to make and very kid-friendly (Big A loved making it as much as eating it!).

1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbls pumpkin pie spice
1 tsp ground cinnamon
6 cup cereal squares (I used President's Choice Organic Wheat Squares)
150g pecans

Melt butter in microwave for about 30 seconds, until melted. Stir in vanilla and the spices. Place cereal and pecans in microwave safe dish (I used a big Corningware). Scrape butter mixture into cereal and nuts and stir well until everything is fairly evenly coated. Microwave until starting to brown, 3-5 minutes, stirring every minute. Spread on wax paper or cookie sheet to cool and then store in an airtight container.

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