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Katie Lee Joel's Signature Recipe: Spiced Nuts 'n Chex Mix (Photo: General Mills)

MINNEAPOLIS - (BUSINESS WIRE) - Chex cereal is looking for a new twist on Chex Party Mix - asking creative cooks from across the country to mix it up to find America's Chex Party Mix recipe star. Chex cereal and best-selling cookbook author and entertaining expert Katie Lee Joel kicked off the Chex Party Mix Recipe Contest today at www.ChexRecipeContest.com.

"I love to get creative when mixing up Chex Party Mix and customize it to my guests' tastes," says Joel. "There are endless flavor options. My signature recipe, Spiced Nuts 'n Chex Mix, is always the hit of the party. I can't wait to taste Chex Party Mix fans' signature mixes."

Consumers are encouraged to submit their original 15-minute recipes now through July 15, 2009. An expert panel of judges will review the recipes and select five flavorful finalist recipes. In the fall, the public will vote online to determine which recipe will be crowned America's favorite. The grand prize winner will receive $5,000 cash, a $1,000 grocery gift card and an all-expenses paid trip for two to the Betty Crocker Kitchens for a holiday Mix & Mingle event with Joel.

"Snackmakers have been customizing Chex Party Mix for decades, and we are calling on all to share their own signature Chex Party Mix recipe with the rest of the world," said Adrienne Daniels, marketing manager, General Mills. "The irresistible aroma and crunch of homemade Chex Party Mix is a delicious addition to any party or gathering, and we are excited to learn new ways to mix it up. Wow the judges with your creativity and your recipe could become America's next favorite!"

"It's so easy to customize Chex Party Mix with your favorite flavors and ingredients," said Joel. "My signature recipe, Spiced Nuts 'n Chex Mix, uses sugar plus a kick of cayenne and chili powder. I love the combination of sweet with spicy."

Katie's Signature Recipe: Spiced Nuts 'n Chex Mix

Start to Finish: 15 Minutes

1/4 cup sugar
1 tablespoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper (cayenne)
1/4 cup butter or margarine
2 cups Corn Chex cereal
2 cups Rice Chex cereal
2 cups Wheat Chex cereal
1 can (11.5 ounces) mixed nuts

1. In small bowl, mix sugar, chili powder and red pepper; set aside.
2. In large microwavable bowl, microwave butter uncovered on High about 40 seconds or until melted. Stir in cereals and nuts until evenly coated. Stir in sugar mixture until evenly coated.
3. Microwave uncovered on High 5 to 6 minutes, stirring after 2 minutes, until mixture just begins to turn brown. Spread on waxed paper to cool. Store in airtight container.

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.

Mix It Up To Win
To enter, submit your original snack mix recipe online at www.ChexRecipeContest.com. The recipe must be for a Chex Party Mix and must include at least three (3) cups of intact Chex cereal. Any flavor or combination of the following products may be used: Rice Chex, Wheat Chex, Corn Chex, Honey Nut Chex, Multi-Bran Chex, Chocolate Chex, Cinnamon Chex or Strawberry Chex. Recipe must be prepared within 15 minutes (does not include cooling time). List each recipe ingredient with specific flavor, exact measurements or weights, and in the order used. Provide complete directions including preparation/cooking time, temperature and type of bakeware used (including exact dimensions or size).

All electronic entries must be received between 12:00 a.m. on May 19, 2009, and 11:59 p.m. on July 15, 2009 (Central time). Entries will be judged by a panel of food experts to determine the top five finalist recipes that the public will vote on online this fall. The recipe from the top five finalist recipes receiving the most votes will win the grand prize consisting of $5,000 cash, a $1,000 grocery gift card, and an all-expenses paid trip for two to Minneapolis for the Mix & Mingle event with Katie Lee Joel in the Betty Crocker Kitchens. The winning recipe may also be featured on Chex cereal packaging. All five finalists will be awarded $500, a one-year supply of Chex cereal, and a gift basket. To view the Official Contest Rules, visit www.ChexRecipeContest.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 70 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 Rice Chex, Corn Chex®, Wheat Chex Honey Nut Chex Chocolate Chex®, Cinnamon Chex Strawberry Chex and MultiBran Chex. Starting this summer, many Chex cereals will be available as gluten-free. Look for the words "Gluten-Free" near the ingredient declaration on package side panels.

About General Mills
General Mills, with annual net sales of $13.4 billion, is a leading global manufacturer and marketer of consumer foods products. Based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, General Mills' mission is to innovate to make people's lives healthier, easier and richer around the world. Its global brand portfolio includes Cheerios, Chex and other Big G cereals, Betty Crocker, Pillsbury, Green Giant, Nature Valley, Yoplait, and more. It also has more than 100 U.S. consumer brands, more than 30 of which generate annual retail sales in excess of $100 million. General Mills also is a leading supplier of baking and other food products to the foodservice and commercial baking industries.

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OLSON
Rebecca Herbst, 612-215-9828
rherbst@oco.com
or
General Mills
Shelly Dvorak, 763-764-6451
shelly.dvorak@genmills.com