Buffalo Chex® Mix: Fan Favorite in 2009

Knoxville native claims victory as the winner of the Chex® Party Mix Recipe Contest

Creative cooks competed against each other in the search to find the next 15-minute Chex® Party Mix family favorite recipe, and enthusiasts across the country have chosen! From Knoxville, Tenn., Monica Flatford’s Buffalo Chex Mix has won the hearts—and tastebuds—of Chex Party Mix fans.

Inspired by her husband’s and son’s love for buffalo hot wings, Flatford perfected the winning combination of Chex cereals, spice, celery, and ranch dressing. As a nod to the entire Flatford family, she was sure to add her daughter’s much-loved fish-shaped crackers into the mix.

Thousands of consumers submitted their original 15-minute recipe earlier this year and an expert panel of judges narrowed down the recipes to five flavorful finalists. The public voted online to determine the winner, ultimately crowning Flatford’s Buffalo Chex Mix as America’s Favorite. Flatford received a grand prize of $5,000 cash, a $1,000 grocery gift card and an all-expense paid trip for two to the Betty Crocker® Kitchens for a holiday Mix & Mingle event with Katie Lee, best-selling cookbook author.

“It took quite a few trials, but in the end I knew I had a winner when my family couldn’t stop eating my Buffalo Chex Mix. I’ve made countless batches since—from game-day snacks for players and fans, to Monday night football at home… it is the perfect recipe for any snacking occasion,” says Flatford.

Buffalo Chex® Mix
Prep Time: 15 Minutes
4 cups Rice Chex® cereal
4 cups Wheat Chex® cereal
2 cups Parmesan-flavored tiny fish-shaped crackers
2 cups pretzel twists
6 tablespoons butter
2 1/2 tablespoons hot sauce
1 packet ranch dressing mix
2 teaspoons celery seed

1. In large microwavable bowl, mix cereals, crackers and pretzels; set aside. In small microwavable bowl, microwave butter uncovered on High about 40 seconds or until melted. Stir in hot sauce and seasonings. Pour over cereal mixture; stir until evenly coated.
2. Microwave uncovered on High 4 to 5 minutes, thoroughly stirring every 2 minutes. Spread on paper towels to cool. Store in airtight container.

Of the five crunchy snacks competing against each other, this football fan favorite scored big by receiving more votes than the contenders: Chex Pumpkin Pie Crunch, Chexicago Party Mix, Deviled Chex Mix and Lemon Rosemary Chex Mix. From sweet to spicy, there is a 15-minute recipe to fit any snacking occasion during the holiday—and football—season. All five finalist recipes are available at www.ChexPartyMix.com.

“Chex Party Mix has been a favorite party snack for more than 50 years and creative cooks demonstrated how versatile Chex cereals are when mixing up a snack for hungry friends and fans. Monica’s Buffalo Chex Mix scored big by providing an unexpected twist on the classic snack, wowing the crowd with her creativity,” said Joe Driscoll, marketing manager, Chex cereals.

Since 1955, the Original Chex Party Mix has been a party tradition—especially during the holiday season. The delicious snack is easier-than-ever to prepare with 15-minute recipes that utilize the fast-cooking technology of the microwave. Whether you’re looking for something sweet, salty or a little in between, there is a great-tasting recipe to fit any snacking style, including a gluten-free diet. For recipe ideas, visit www.ChexPartyMix.com.

About Chex
The Original Chex Party Mix has been a tradition since 1955, when the wife of a Ralston Purina executive brought the treat to a holiday gathering. It has been a staple snack ever since. In addition to the five microwavable recipes, there are more than 100 unique Chex Party Mix recipes available on the Chex Web site at www.ChexPartyMix.com. Chex Party Mix can be made with all varieties of Chex cereal, including Wheat Chex and MultiBran Chex, and gluten-free Rice Chex, Corn Chex, Honey Nut Chex, Chocolate Chex, and Cinnamon Chex.

About General Mills
One of the world’s leading food companies, General Mills operates in over 100 countries and markets more than 100 consumer brands, including Cheerios, Häagen-Dazs, Nature Valley, Betty Crocker, Pillsbury, Green Giant, Old El Paso, Progresso, Cascadian Farm, Muir Glen and more. Headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S.A., General Mills had fiscal 2009 global net sales of US $15.9 billion, including the company’s $1.2 billion proportionate share of joint venture net sales. Visit www.generalmills.com.