CHRISTMAS MUNCH MIX RECIPES

Steps:

• Into large bowl, measure cereal; set aside.
• In 1-quart microwaveable bowl, microwave chocolate chips, peanut butter and butter uncovered on High 1 minute; stir. Microwave about 30 seconds longer or until mixture can be stirred smooth. Stir in vanilla. Pour mixture over cereal, stirring until evenly coated. Pour into 2-gallon resealable food-storage plastic bag.
• Add powdered sugar. Seal bag; shake until well coated. Spread on waxed paper to cool. Store in airtight container in refrigerator.

Steps:

• Move an oven rack into the middle of the oven. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
• Spray 24 muffin cups with cooking spray.
• Line a work surface with waxed paper.
• Spoon 1 teaspoon melted butter into the bottom of each sprayed muffin cup.
• Spoon 1 tablespoon brown sugar in each muffin cup.
• Press a maraschino cherry into the center of the brown sugar in each muffin cup.
• Spoon a heaping tablespoon of crushed pineapple over the cherry and compact it with the back of a spoon into an even layer.
• Mix pineapple cake mix, eggs, pineapple juice, and vegetable oil in a large bowl with electric mixer on low speed until moistened, about 30 seconds. Turn mixer speed to medium and mix for 2 minutes.
• Pour pineapple cake batter into the muffin cups, filling them to the top; do not overfill.
• Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean, about 20 minutes.
• Allow cupcakes to cool at least 5 minutes before inverting muffin cups onto the waxed paper to release. Serve with pineapple and cherry sides up. Sprinkle cupcakes lightly with confectioners' sugar.