The Soup Diva

This is my variation on an old recipe (Hot Buttered Cheerios). This adds a little more flavor and some protein.

• 1 stick butter or margarine*
• 1/2 cup oil* OR 1/4 cup oil and 1/4 cup honey, molasses, or maple syrup
• 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce*
• 1 tsp garlic powder*
• 1/2 tsp onion powder*
• 1/2 tsp white pepper*
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp hot sauce or chili garlic paste  (optional)
• 32 oz salted dry roasted peanuts OR honey-roasted peanuts
• 2 18 oz or 3 12 oz boxes Cheerios-like cereal (I prefer Great Value Multigrain)

Melt butter or margarine in glass measuring cup in microwave; add oil, Worcestershire and seasonings and stir until blended. Pour cereal and peanuts in large roasting pan and stir together; poor liquid over evenly and stir until all pieces are coated well. Bake at 300 degrees for 20 minutes, stirring very well every 5 minutes. Allow to cool completely in pan before storing.

*(I have successfully made these with ghee, coconut oil, and 1 tbsp curry powder in place of the other seasonings. Exotically flavorful and slightly healthier!) If you are not using sweet cereal or nuts, I recommend adding some sweetness to the liquid; otherwise, it is up to your tastes.