Cook It Up! Cookbook Challenge - December Edition

Today I'm linking up with Cook It Up!  A Cookbook Challenge hosted by Trish at Love, Laughter and a Touch of Insanity and Weekend Cooking hosted by Beth F at Beth Fish Reads.

So I kind of failed this month.  I had a cookbook all ready to go.  One pulled from the very depths of the pantry that was dusty from not being used in years.  But despite my best intentions it didn't end up getting used.  Between the various family gatherings, the cold that wouldn't die and just being pulled in about 15 directions I didn't really end up doing much regular cooking except for the actual holiday cooking.

Then it hit me!  I may not have done all that much cooking from recipes except for one thing - Chex Mix.  I made Chex Mix until I had dreams about making it.  I'm not exactly sure what it is about Chex Mix but I don't think anyone passed the bowl without taking a handful of it.  My family has always adored the stuff but I've always hated making it because I always ended up burning it and it took forever.  Until I bought Christy Jordan's book Southern Plate.  She originally started out with a blog of the same name and published her 2nd cookbook last year.  They're all family friendly and user friendly recipes but her recipe for Microwave Chex Mix is kind of life changing.  Seriously.  Here's the recipe: Microwave Chex Mix.  Instead of peanuts I do 9 cups of cereal and pretzels but that's about the only change.  Also, make sure you use a big bowl for the microwaving or it can get messy with all the stirring.  I make and serve it in the same bowl and it essentially takes 8 minutes from start to finish and almost 7 of those are just microwaving stuff.

And while you're at Southern Plate check out the Chicken Planks, Comeback Sauce, Jordan Rolls, Pizza Rolls and just about everything else.  Judging by the state of my cookbook and it's tatters and stains it's one of my most used books and one that I turn to when in need of a little inspiration or just a good meal!