Roll out the red carpet! The 7^th annual Beaufort International Film Festival is here — and that means you’ll be catching up on all of the nominated flicks leading up to the Awards Ceremony on Saturday night. Add a little gourmet delight to your movie experience with some tasty recipe ideas! When you’re at the movies the aroma of popcorn hits you as soon as you walk through the door. For many people, the experience of going to the movies includes popcorn and candy. Why not try something a little more on the wild side? I’ve handpicked four snackable treats that will make your movie-watching experience as tasty as it is entertaining. These crunchy and addictive snacks are extremely easy and fast, ready to be munched on in 30 minutes or less. (Thank you Jodie Miller of Plum Productions for helping me come up with these excellent movie names!)

For more information about the Beaufort International Film Festival and to purchase movie tickets visit www.beaufortfilmfestival.com.  See you at the movies!

Dark Victory
A tribute to my favorite – Bette Davis!
1 (12-ounce) package dark chocolate chips
¼ cup crunchy peanut butter
6 cups Crispix cereal
1 cup powdered sugar
Sea salt
2 cups roasted mixed nuts
2 cups peanut m&m’s
½ cup plain dark chocolate m&m’s
Place chocolate chips and peanut butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on low power or defrost until chocolate is melted; stopping to stir every 20 seconds. Do not overcook. Gently fold in cereal and coat well.  Place powered sugar in a large zip-lock bag; add cereal mixture and zip closed. Massage and toss bag until cereal is coated with powdered sugar. Transfer mixture to a sheet pan and spread out. Sprinkle with a light amount of sea salt all over. Place baking sheet in refrigerator for 3 minutes to set. Remove from refrigerator and add nuts and m&m’s. Toss to combine. Store in a tightly sealed container. Makes about 10 cups.
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The Nutty Professor
Love Eddie Murphy!
1 cup dried cranberries
2 cups roasted mixed nuts
½ cup milk chocolate-covered raisins
½ cup dark chocolate-covered raisins
½ cup yogurt-covered raisins
½ cup dark chocolate-covered almonds
Mix all ingredients together. Store in a tightly sealed container. Makes about 5 cups.
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Something to Talk About
My brother-in-law worked on this movie. Vince and I were actually on the set during filming in Savannah, GA! TOO COOL!
1 (3.3-ounce) package microwave popcorn (about 4 cups)
2/3 cup vegetable oil
1 (1-ounce) package dry ranch dressing mix
4 cups waffle-style pretzels
1 cup roasted mixed nuts
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Pop popcorn according to package directions. Pour oil and ranch dressing mix In a large microwave-safe bowl; mix well to combine. Add popcorn, pretzels, and nuts. Toss evenly to coat. Heat mixture in microwave on high power for one minute. Toss mixture to coat evenly with oil mixture. Heat again for one more minute in microwave on high power. Add Parmesan cheese and toss to coat evenly. Serve immediately. Store leftover snack mix for up to three days in an airtight container. Makes about 8 cups.
www.cateringbydebbicovington.com

The Sweetest Thing
Kuddos to Cameron Diaz!
1  (3.3-ounce) bag microwave popcorn (about 4 cups)
2 cups goldfish pretzels
2 cups Crispix cereal
1 (12-ounce) package white baking chips
Candy sprinkles
1 cup dark chocolate m&m’s
1 cup milk chocolate mini m&m’s
Pop popcorn according to package directions. Spread popcorn, pretzels and cereal on a baking sheet. Melt baking chips in microwave according to package directions; drizzle melted chips over mixture on baking sheet. Gently stir to coat evenly. Add sprinkles; let harden for 30 minutes. Break pieces apart and add m&m’s. Store in an airtight container. Makes about 10 cups.
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The writer owns Catering by Debbi Covington and is the author of two cookbooks, Celebrate Everything! and Dining Under the Carolina Moon.  Debbi’s website address is www.cateringbydebbicovington.com. She may be reached at 525-0350 or by email at dbc@cateringbydebbicovington.com