If you grew up in the Seventies, there wasn’t much difference between corporate mascots and entertainment. Cereal, in particular, was home to dozens of characters, each with their own mythology.
From General Mills’ Lucky the Leprechaun, Sonny the Cuckoo Bird and the Trix Rabbit to Quaker Oats’ Cap’n Crunch and Quisp, to Post Cereal’s Sugar Bear and Pebbles hawkin’ Fred Flintstone and Barney Rubble to Kellogg’s with Dig ‘Em Frog, Snap, Crackle and Pop, Tony the Tiger and Toucan Sam, cereal advertising mascots became part of the vernacular.
Keep in mind, this was a time when it wasn’t unusual for holiday gift lists to be centered around McDonaldland characters.
Which leads us to the best combination since Mr. Reese mixed peanut butter with chocolate: Monster Cereals.
Combining the iconography of Frankenstein with Strawberry (Franken Berry), Dracula with Chocolate (Count Chocula), Ghosts with Blueberry (Boo Berry), Werewolves with Cherry (Fruit Brute) and Mummys with Orange Cream (Fruity Yummy Mummy) the monster cereals also had their own bonus twist to the breakfast table; cereal with marshmallows.
The monster cereals were discontinued a few years ago, only to reappear around Halloween season (Specifically Count Chocula, Boo Berry and Franken Berry). This year, however, for the very first time, all five cereals are available (the cherry and orange flavors in Fruit Brute and Fruity Yummy Mummy) replacing the more generic fruit flavor).
You can get the more generic packaging anywhere, but the awesome retro packaging is a Target Exclusive.
After the jump, check out some recipes devised by the folks at General Mills. I’ll be in the living room watching cartoons eating my Monster Cereal Munch. Recipe after the jump.
This easy cereal snack can be made up to 3 days in advance. Kids and adults alike will flip over the fun colors and tasty flavors.
Ingredients:
- 1 bag (12 oz) white chocolate baking chips (2 cups)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 8 cups desired monster cereal (such as Frankenberry®, Boo Berry®, Count Chocula®, Yummy Mummy™ and/or Frute Brute™)
- 1/2 cup Halloween-colored candy sprinkles, if desired
Note: The Forces of Geek method substitutes white chocolate baking chips with peanut butter chips and uses Count Chocula for a delicious peanut butter/chocolate delicacy!
Step 1
In large microwavable bowl, microwave baking chips uncovered on High 1 minute 30 seconds to 2 minutes 30 seconds, stirring every 30 seconds, until melted and smooth. Stir in oil.
Step 2
Gently stir in cereal until evenly coated.
Step 3
Spread on waxed paper or foil; top with Halloween sprinkles. Cool until chocolate is set, about 30 minutes. Break into chunks. Store loosely covered.
Step 4
Eat until sick. Repeat.
Disclosure: The product, giveaway samples and information have been provided by General Mills. All opinions are my own.
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