Nutty M&M Cereal Snack or Christmas Crack

(I'm not sure exactly where this recipe came from, I just remember a neighbor brought it to my mother-in-law's as a Christmas treat, and I was hooked!  Although hers had coconut in it, my kids did not like coconut at the time.  I wasn't able to get the woman's recipe, but found this one in a magazine.)

1 (12 oz. pkg Chex cereal (rice is best)

1 (12 oz.) pkg. peanut M&M's (1 1/2 c.) but can more to your liking :)

1 c. butter

1 1/2 c. sugar

1 1/2 c. light corn syrup

1 1/2 tsp. vanilla

1 tsp. baking soda

** In a very large bowl, combine cereal, and M&M's, set aside.

**In a large saucepan melt butter, add sugar and corn syrup, stir to combine.  Bring mixture to a boil over medium heat.  Boil gently for 4 minutes, stirring frequently.  Remove from heat, stir in vanilla, and baking soda.

Pour syrup over cereal mixture, stirring until all is coated.  Turn our onto parchment lined large cookie sheet and let cool.  Enjoy!