Dittmer Mix

This recipe is known by many other names.  But it will always be remembered as "Dittmer Mix" for my friend Anna who introduced it to me.  Beware it is very addicting for those who like sweet/salty combinations.  It's a fun treat to make with seasonally colored M&M's.  Slightly adapted from here and from the Dittmer family recipe.

3 ½  cups Cheerios toasted oat cereal

3 cups Rice Chex

3 cups Corn Chex

16 ounces M&M's plain chocolate candy

2 ½ cups salted mixed nuts or almonds (about 12 oz)

2-3 cups small pretzels (we like the square window-pane ones for this recipe)

1 ½ (11 ounce) packages white chocolate chips (Ghirardelli brand preferred)*

1-2 T shortening*

Directions

Dump the cereals, M&Ms, nuts & pretzels in a large bowl.

Melt the white chocolate and shortening in the microwave or in a double boiler. Melt very slowly, stirring occasionally, being careful not to burn the chocolate.  Stir.

Dump melted chocolate over the rest of the ingredients and fold over and over until you have well-coated hunks and chunks.

Spread the whole mess out on parchment paper and set in a cool place until it sets up, then break it into pieces.

Store in zip-top bags or air-tight containers.

*I used 1 package Ghiradelli chips plus about 1 cup of white melting wafers and 1 T shortening.  You can also use almond bark if you like.