Better Than Sex Chex Mix -- At least that's what we call it!

Oh, this is a really terrific snack mix.  I can almost guarantee you that your family and friends will agree this recipe is a new favorite. 

2 cups brown sugar packed
1 cup butter
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp baking soda
13 cups of Chex cereal (Rice, Corn, or Wheat)  I use a mix
1 lb bag of pretzel sticks
1 cup Heath Bar Bit O' Brickle bits
1 bag semi-sweet chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 250 degrees.
Line 2 sheet pans with parchment paper.

Combine brown sugar, butter, corn syrup, vanilla, and salt in a heavy, medium-sized saucepan over medium high heat.  Bring to  a boil.  Boil for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.  Remove the pan from the heat and add the baking soda.  It will foam up big time!  Don't worry, it's to be expected. 

Combine the rice or corn or wheat Chex and pretzel sticks in a very large mixing bowl.  Pour the molten caramel over the goodies in the bowl and stir very gently but thoroughly to evenly coat.  Don't worry about perfection here; just try to get the caramel mixture evenly distributed. 

Split the mixture between two prepared pans and spread it out evenly  Bake in the oven for 1 hour, stirring well every 15 minutes.  If the mixture is still quite damp in the middle;, you may need to bake it for another 15 - 30 minutes, still stirring after every 15 minutes.  When it is mostly dry but still a little sticky, it is done. 

As soon as it comes out of the oven, stir well but gently once.  Sprinkle the gits o' brickle over the tops of the pan and then sprinkle with chocolate chips using half of each over each pan.  Let it cool on the pan (you may hear it crackling as it cools), break it up, and store in an airtight container.