Merry Christmas to You From Me: Caramel Chex Recipe!

Wishing you and yours a Very Merry Christmas!

My gift to you is the recipe for my most requested treat, Caramel Chex! I only make it one time a year for a very specific reason: It’s ridiculously addicting. Consider yourself warned. 

Step 1: Preheat oven to 325*. In a saucepan, heat sugar, Karo Syrup and butter over medium heat until butter is melted and sugar is dissolved. On a prepared (large) baking sheet spread out cereal, nuts and coconut.

*I have found 350 temp is perfect in an electric oven, but 325 works best in a gas oven.

Step 2: Pour caramel mixture over cereal mix. Coat cereal mixture well. Try not to drool.

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Step 3: Stir well, place in oven for 24 minutes, stirring every eight minutes to assure every cereal bit gets equally coated.

Step 4: After the 24 minute baking time spread mixture out on lightly greased parchment paper making sure to create an even layer. Feel free to leave some small clumps for extra gooey pieces after it cools.

Step 5: Try to keep your significant other out of it.  It’s dangerously good.

Step 6: Store as desired. I typically place mine in either snack size bags, decorated with cute ribbon, or in zip lock bags for ease of access.  I always add M&M’s when bagging up. Note: as the Chex settles it will stick together, creating clumps, so keeping it stored in baggies allows you to gently massage the chex mix to break it up.


Printable recipe:

I hope you enjoy family, friends, food and drinks over the next few days.

Cheers!

Original Post: December 2013, Edited photos and adjusted directions (temperature) December 2025.

Original post photo 2013 below. Updated 2025 above.

Spreading Holiday Cheer with Ugly Sweaters and Lots of Beer

It’s been a fun last few days. Today I’m trying to recover.

Cue Champagne Headache.

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Let’s recap!

Thursday

Thursday was my last work day until January 2nd! That’s what’s up.

It was also my last day in Office #1152. I move offices and jobs after the new year. Exciting things are happening! 😉

Let’s hope I can keep a cleaner office in 2014.  New Years Resolution, perhaps?

20131222-134611.jpgNo one ever follows through on those things.

That evening my friend Jessica and I went to an Ugly Sweater Party at Omaha’s newest Brewery and Distillery, Borgata. It is owned by one of our hometown friends, Holly Mulkins and her fiancé, Zac. They just opened the doors a few weeks ago so it was great to see the fruits of their labor.

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We enjoyed a crisp Pilsner, one of the best Bloody Mary’s and an Eggnog inspired drink.

20131222-131229.jpgAbove photos Courtesy of Borgata FB page

I look forward to visiting Borgata again soon!

Friday

Friday was spent doing last minute Christmas present shopping, a little house cleaning and teaching my last TurboKick class for the 2013 year.

That evening we went to an Ugly Sweater Birthday Party for our friend, Shawn.  Some seriously hilarious shirts amongst that crew.

20131222-131836.jpgThe Birthday Boy.   His catch phrase “Want to see Santa’s balls?” 

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20131222-131856.jpgCheesin’

20131222-131915.jpgHow cute are these 3 roommates?  Christmas Tree, Skirt and Present.  Clever.

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Saturday

Girls Night! Carrie and I met up with Tyree at her new house. Very excited for her! Beautiful home, cute neighborhood and a decent backyard for her puppy, Caza. We had appetizers and champagne at her house before heading to the Homy Inn.

Oh Hello, champagne on tap.  Can I interest you in a pitcher?

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We shared a lot of laughs and a few inside jokes over the yummy bubbly.

Stupid faces, free of charge!

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The crappy iPhone photos make me sad.  My brand new Sony DSLR is being sent in for repair.  Unhappy camper here!  Don’t even want to talk about it.

Moving along…

After the Homy we made our way to the Ozone to listen to the band eNVy.

Natalie Thomas, lead singer, is a powerhouse and so fun to listen to.   I’ve seen them a few times before and they never cease to amaze me.

envy

Photo Courtesy of FB

Sunday

And, so here we are at Sunday.   So far today I have managed to not do a whole lot.  I have finished wrapping presents, made a pasta bake, ran to the store and watched The Santa Clause.   I will probably spend the rest of the day picking up around the house and making my first round of Caramel Chex.  Every Christmas I get multiple requests for this addictive treat.  Recipe to come!

Have a great day, friends!

Christmas Is My Favorite! Ugly Sweater Run

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Ugly Sweater 5K Run, 2013
Team ~ Christmas is My Favorite
Omaha, Nebraska

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We lucked out today considering the temperatures here in Omaha haven’t hit above 10 degrees in over a week. Today we saw temps in the 20’s. A little cold starting out, but PERFECT once we had about 1/4 mile under our feet.

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We saw some sweet homemade shirts, Buddy the Elf and ended our day at the bar for some warm soup and of course a few beers.

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Cheers!
Carrie, Kayla, Tyree, Jen and Me!

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‘Fit For Christmas’ Kettlebell Circuit and a Turbo Kick Holiday Special

Today I am bringing a new twist to Transformation Tuesday.  Let’s transform ourselves and get Fit For Christmas! 

I will be posting a variety of workouts for you over the next several weeks.  Let’s first start with this one!  Grab a kettle-bell and get your sweat on!

 

kettlebell circuit

Use an appropriate weight for each exercise.  Kettlebell not needed for Burpees.  That would just be a disaster, ya?  Follow the links for demonstrations.

Fit For Christmas- Kettlebell Circuit!

1. Swings

2. Squats– Hold kettlebel to chest while squatting.  Alter the depth of your squat according to ability

3. Rows– Make sure to do each side for a total of 80 (40 each side).

4. Windmills

5. Clean and Press

6. Deadlifts

7. Bicep Curls

8. Burpees

Do 4 sets of 10 reps.  (make sure on rows, clean and press and curls you do both arms, 10 each set)

 

For my local peeps:

Turbo Kick Class Special!

My Turbo Kick classes are booming at the YMCA.  Super exciting!  I had the highest attendance yet during my morning class.  I joked with them that they were all feeling guilty from over indulging this Thanksgiving weekend. 😉

I am adding on two additional classes starting in January at the institution I work for.  If you live near Council Bluffs, IA and want to try out a Turbo Kick class, you have 6 options!

Holiday Special for the IWCC location is:  14 classes for only $20! 

You must sign up before December 18th to lock in the deal!  IWCC location only.  Register soon!  YMCA classes at the bottom of the flyer are FREE classes with your paid gym membership.  Sweet!

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Do you like working out with kettlebells?

Have you taken Turbo Kick before?