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Recipe: Fried Cereal a la Charles Phoenix

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Charles Phoenix is a treasure. An aficionado of all things retro and kitsch, he leads tours and talks around the country that explore our nation's (and mostly Southern California's) technicolor past.

One of his most celebrated culinary creations is Fried Cereal, which he was kind enough to share with us in the video above. It's meant to be eaten like popcorn -- just more colorful and fun. Bring it to a party or your couch!

Fried Cereal

Makes 6 one-cup servings

½ stick of salted butter (or bacon fat!)

6 cups dry cereal - each cup a different cereal (Charles prefers Apple Jacks, Lucky Charms, Cap'n Crunch, Honeycombs, Trix, Cocoa Puffs and Fruit Loops.)

1. Melt butter in skillet (stove top or electric) on LOW heat.

2. When butter melts add cereal mixture.

3. Toss continuously for 3 or 4 minutes(-ish) until the room begins to smell of sweet buttery toasted cereal.

4. Remove from heat before cereal begins to brown. Don't stop stirring or it will burn!

5. Serve warm or room temp.

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