Snack mix: No mixed reviews

This week's recipe for Caramel Chex Mix is an easy, delicious, crowd-pleaser that I had never tasted before I got the recipe.

The recipe came highly recommended from a dear friend, Tricia, who couldn't say enough about this snack mix. I have put out bowls of it at parties and potlucks and I have yet to meet someone who doesn't love it.

This recipe is definitely a safe bet for those who want to bring something that everyone will love.

Caramel Chex Mix

12 ounces corn chips

17 ounces Crispex cereal

1 can mixed nuts

Sauce:

1/2 cup Karo syrup

1 cup butter

2 cups brown sugar

12 ounces M&Ms plain chocolate candies

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Mix corn chips, crispex cereal and mixed nuts in a large roaster. For the sauce, combine the karo syrup, butter and brown sugar.

Boil 1 1/2 minutes. Pour over corn chip mixture. Stir and bake in oven for 8 minutes. Remove from oven and stir. Bake another 8 minutes. Add bag of chocolate chips. Pour mixture on waxed paper to cool.

Bring Along Cold Taco Salad

2 pounds taco meat

1 bag Doritos Taco chips

1 can black olives, leave whole and drained

1 package grape tomatoes, leave whole or they get the salad soggy

1 12-ounce package cheddar cheese, shredded

1 can kidney beans, drained

1 bottle Seven Seas dressing

1 head lettuce, shredded, or 1 bag

Prepare taco meat ahead of time. In a large bowl, combine your meat, beans, cheese, Seven Seas dressing, tomatoes, lettuce, olives, lettuce and broken chips. Toss together and serve.

Bud's Lemon Fruit Sauce

1 cup sugar

2 eggs, beaten

1 cup fresh lemon juice

Put all ingredients in saucepan. Cook to boiling. Boil 3 minutes, stirring constantly. It thickens as it cools. Store in the refrigerator. Serve over a variety of your favorite cut-up fruits.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: A friend is a stranger you haven't met yet.

GARY'S TIP: Place 1/2 of an apple in a cake pan to keep cake fresh.