Valentine's Day!

Great movie to see this Valentine's Day

Valentine Chex® Mix

9 cups Rice Chex® cereal

1 cup white vanilla baking chips

1/2 cup peanut butter

1/4 cup butter or margarine

3/4 cup powdered sugar

1/2 cup red, white and pink candy-coated chocolate candies

1/4 cup red or pink jimmies sprinkles

1. In large bowl, place cereal. In small microwavable bowl, microwave baking 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.

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

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

4. In serving bowl, mix both cereal mixtures. Store in airtight container.

Red Velvet Pancakes

1/2 of an 18.25 oz box Duncan Hines Moist Deluxe Red Velvet cake mix (about 2 cups lightly filled)

2 large eggs, beaten (see Cook's Note)

2 Tbsp oil 1/4 cup + 1 tsp water 3 Tbsp butter

Whipped cream (optional)

Powdered sugar (optional)

Combine the cake mix, eggs, oil and water in a mixing bowl until just thoroughly blended (don't overmix). If batter seems too thick, add another tablespoon of water. Cook the pancakes in a non-stick pan over medium heat. You want to cook these a little slower than regular pancakes because you don't want them to brown too much. Keep them warm in a low oven.

When ready to serve decorate with whipped cream or powdered sugar, if desired.

Makes about 8 pancakes (about 5 inches across)


Cook's Note: To make these (or any pancakes) lighter, separate the yolks and whites. Combine the beaten yolks with the other batter ingredients; beat the whites to soft peaks and gently fold them into the batter.