Maple Bacon Chex Mix

This is not your regular chex mix, folks.  This is party-worthy!  At first glance, your guests might reach for something else.  But then they'll spy the bits of bacon and that's when you begin to hear, "Oh my goodness - this is so good.  Hey, you've got to try this.  It has real bacon in it.  Whoa . . ."  Bacon makes everything wonderful, agreed?

2 cups corn chex
2 cups rice chex
2 cups wheat chex
1 cup peanuts, salted and roasted
6 strips bacon, cooked extra crispy and chopped
4 Tbsp butter, melted
4 Tbsp maple syrup
1/4-1/2 tsp cayenne (depending on how spicy you like it)
1-1 1/2 tsp sea salt (use less if using table salt)


Combine the cereals, peanuts, and cayenne in a large, microwaveable-safe bowl.  In a small bowl combine the butter and maple syrup.  Add the butter mixture to the cereal and stir very well.  Microwave on high for three minutes stirring every minute to prevent the sugars to scorch.  Add the bacon and salt.  Stir.  Let cool.  Serve.