Life Party Mix

This is a terrific snack to offer at a kids' party. It's sweet, easy to make, and keeps well (so you can make it ahead of time). It reminds me of classic trail mix--and I added peanuts to the original to make it more trail-mix-like! (For another sweet party mix, see Cinnamon-Apple Chex Mix; for the original savory goodness, see Chex Winter Party Mix).

Note: I used chocolate chips and butterscotch chips in mine because I didn't have any M&M's. I think seasonally colored M&M's would make this is a great holiday snack for any holiday (Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc.).

~From back of Life cereal box

• 4 c. Life cereal, any flavor (1 regular--smallish box is enough for 2 batches)
• 1 c. small pretzel sticks
• 1 c. peanuts, optional
• 1/4 c. butter
• 3 T. brown sugar
• 1 c. raisins
• 1 c. M&M's, any color (or sub in chocolate chips)

1. Preheat oven to 250 degrees. 
2. Mix cereal, pretzels, and peanuts, if using, in large pan (I used the bottom drip pan of my broiler pan for a double batch; a large roasting pan would also work).
3. In a small saucepan, bring to a boil the butter and sugar. Drizzle over cereal mix. Toss lightly to mix thoroughly.
4. Bake at 250 degrees for about an hour, stirring every 15 minutes.
5. Add raisins and let cereal mix cool.
6. When completely cool, add chocolate pieces--whatever you happen to be using.

~Yields approximately 7-8 cups