Back to school haul: After school snacks

Make everyone jolly with this sweet twist on your old favorite snack mix -- just 15 minutes from start to finish!

Ingredients:

• 4 cups Honey Nut Chex® cereal
• 2 cups Cinnamon Chex® cereal
• 1/4 cup butter or margarine
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon rum flavoring
• 2 cups miniature marshmallows

Instructions:

1. Place the cereals in a large microwavable bowl.
2. In a 2-cup microwave-safe measuring cup, microwave butter, brown sugar and honey uncovered on high for 2 minutes -- stirring after 1 minute -- until the mixture is bubbly.
3. Stir in spices and rum flavoring.
4. Microwave uncovered on high for 3 minutes, stirring and scraping bowl after every minute.
5. Cool slightly, for about 5 minutes. Stir in the marshmallows and spread the mixture on waxed paper.
6. Let cool and store in an airtight container.

Easy as pie

It was only a matter of time: Pies are the new cupcakes. Add an assortment of microwavable mini-pies to your next buffet and watch them disappear almost as fast as you were able to make them. Use cupcake liners that match your theme or decor. Try this easy lemon tart recipe to get you started.

Makes 12 servings

Tangy tarts with sweet cherry topping add color to any buffet. Add a fresh basil leaf for holiday color.

Ingredients:

• 24 cupcake liners
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 cup gingersnap or graham cracker crumbs
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
• 2 eggs
• 1 tablespoon grated lemon peel
• 1/3 cup lemon juice
• 1 can (21 ounces) cherry pie filling

Instructions:

1. Place two liners in each of 12 5-ounce, microwave-safe custard cups.
2. In a small bowl, microwave the butter on high for 45 to 60 seconds or until melted.
3. Stir in the cookie crumbs and sugar.
4. Place 1 heaping tablespoon of the crumb mixture into each liner.
5. Press down firmly using a small glass or your fingers.
6. Stir together the remaining ingredients except cherries until they are thickened.
7. Place 2 tablespoons of this mixture in each cup.
8. Arrange 6 cups in a ring on a large plate and microwave at 50 percent power for 2 to 3 minutes, or until tarts bubble in a couple spots.
9. Remove the tarts as they appear done. Some may finish faster than others.
10. Cool and serve each topped with pie filling, a dollop of whipped cream and a basil or mint leaf.