Chewy Crunch Bars

(library/student assistant picnic 5/2007)
(makes 2 dozen)

6 cups bite-size crispy corn cereal squares
1 cup salted peanuts
1 (8 ounce) package candy coated milk chocolate pieces
½ cup butter or margarine
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
½ cup light corn syrup

In large bowl combine cereal, peanuts and candy; set aside. In 2-quart saucepan melt butter. Stir in flour until smooth; stir in brown sugar and corn syrup. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until mixture comes to a full boil (2 to 4 minutes). Boil 1 minute. Pour caramel mixture over cereal mixture; toss to coat well. Press into greased 13 x 9 pan. Cool completely; cut into bars.

Microwave Directions: In large bowl combine cereal, peanuts and candy; set aside. In 4-cup measure melt butter on HIGH (1 to 1 ½ minutes). Stir in flour until smooth; stir in brown sugar and corn syrup. Microwave on HIGH, stirring after half the time, until mixture comes to a full boil (2 ½ to 5 minutes). Boil 1 minute. Pour caramel mixture over cereal mixture; toss to coat well. Press on bottom of greased 13 x 9 pan. Cool completely; cut into bars.