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This is Nona, newsroom manager, pet blogger and food lover, filling in for Lindsey while she's tied up with some editing chores for the Extra section.

Lindsey brought me a promotional mailer this morning with several Chex mix recipes and my tummy is already growling. Look for recipes, including a harvest-themed cinnamon-apple mix, after the jump. That sounds like it would be perfect for tailgating or watching football this weekend.

Who doesn't love Chex mix? It must have been a genius that saw beyond the cereal bowl and recycled these little nuggets into a tasty snack perfect for parties or any munchies-appropriate occasion.

And as convenient as the mass produced bags are, nothing beats homemade Chex mix, where you can control the ingredients and make it as spicy, salty, sweet or savory as you like it.

If you have a fresh spin on the cereal-based party mix, post a comment. For more recipes, including a spicy mix that sounds wonderful, click here.

(Photo courtesy of General Mills Web site)

Cinnamon-apple Chex mix:

5 cups Wheat Chex cereal
1 cup lightly salted whole almonds
1/4 cup butter or margarine
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
2 Tbsp light corn syrup
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 cup chopped dried apples
½ cup vanilla yogurt-covered raisins

In a large, microwavable bowl, mix cereal and almonds

In a 2-cup microwavable measuring cup, microwave butter, brown sugar, corn syrup and cinnamon uncovered on High for about 2 minutes, stirring after 1 minute, until mixture is boiling; stir. Pour over cereal mixture until evenly coated.

Microwave uncovered on High for 3 minutes, stirring and scraping the bowl every minute. Stir in apples and microwave uncovered on High about 2 minutes or until apples just begin to brown on the edges.

Spread on waxed paper or foil to cool for about 5 minutes. Pour into a serving bowl and add the raisins. Store in an airtight container.

Makes 16 half-cup servings.

Cheesy ranch Chex mix:

9 cups of Corn, Wheat or Rice Chex cereals (or a combination, which I highly recommend)
2 cups bite-size pretzel twists
2 cups bite-size cheese crackers
3 Tbsp butter or margarine, melted
1 package (1 oz) ranch dressing and seasoning mix
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

In a large, microwavable bowl, mix cereal, pretzels and crackers. In a small microwavable bowl, microwave butter uncovered on High for 30 seconds or until melted. Pour over the cereal mix and stir until evenly coated. Stir in dressing and cheese until evenly coated.

Microwave uncovered on High for 3 minutes, stirring each minute. Spread on waxed paper or foil to cool. Store in an airtight container.

Makes 26 half cup servings (at only 100 calories per serving!)

Chocolate Chex caramel crunch:

8 cups Chocolate Chex cereal
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
6 Tbsp butter or margarine
3 Tbsp light corn syrup
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 cup white vanilla baking chips

Into a large, microwavable bowl, measure cereal; set aside. Line cookie sheet with waxed paper.

In a 2-cup microwavable measuring cup, microwave brown sugar, butter and corn syrup uncovered on High for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring after 1 minute, until melted and smooth. Stir in baking soda until dissolved.

Pour over cereal, stirring until evenly coated. Microwave on High for 3 minutes, stirring every minute. Spread on cookie sheet. Cool for 10 minutes. Break into bite size pieces.

In a small, microwaveable bowl, melt vanilla baking chips uncovered on High for about 1 minute, 30 seconds until chips can be stirred smooth (bowl will be hot.) Drizzle over snack. Refrigerate until set. Store in an airtight container.

Makes 16 half cup servings.