Santa Hat Party Mix

I snagged this fabulous idea off of Pinterest and just had to make it for my Bunko Night last weekend!  The original recipe is here, but of course I'll show you step-by-step instructions below, along with my changes to the proportion to make a huge bowlful!  Enjoy making this tasty treat with your kids, giving the mix away as Teacher (or neighbor) gifts, or for your family's Christmas Tree Trimming Party!

1 bag Bugles (get the caramel flavor if you can!)

1 bag Red Melting disks

Mini marshmallows

2 bottles White sprinkles (nonpareils, available in the cake decorating section of Michaels)

6 cups mini pretzels

1 6-ounce bag craisins

2 cup salted dry roasted peanuts

4 cups Rice Chex

1 large bag holiday colored M&M’s

12 oz. white chocolate for melting

For the Santa Hats: Melt the candy melts, along with a tablespoon of shortening (to help thin the melted candy), in 30 second intervals on half power in your microwave until melted. Immediately start dipping. Let them set up for 10 minutes or so on parchment or wax paper. When they are set, remelt the red candy disk (if necessary) and dip just the bottoms (the large part of the Bugle) into the white sprinkles. Then flip it over and dip the top in the melted candy and press a mini marshmallow on top.

For the party mix: Spread all remaining ingredients, except M&M’s, on a baking sheet lined with parchment or wax paper. Melt your white chocolate according to package directions and drizzle over the pretzel mix. Transfer into a large bowl and coat mix with chocolate. Return to baking sheet to allow to dry. When chocolate is set, sprinkle M&M’s and Bugle Santa Hats over the mix.Transfer to big bowl to serve.