Kangaroo Express, the leading independently operated convenience store

chain in the southeastern United States, operated by The Pantry, Inc. (Nasdaq: PTRY), today announced a challenge to store guests to create their own “ROOcipes,” festive holiday recipes made from candy, snacks and other treats found conveniently at their neighborhood Kangaroo Express, as part of its second annual “12 Days of #ROOcipes” photo contest.

Fun to make, ROOcipes are a perfect holiday party host gift, slumber party treat or road trip snack without breaking the bank. By simply combining readily available ingredients in fun and creative ways, there is no end to the festive creations that can be made from every day snack favorites found at Kangaroo Express.

For example, the “Christmas Cornflake Wreaths” ROOcipe can be made by simply blending melted Kraft Jet-Puffed® Marshmallows with green food dye, and then combining the mixture with Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes® cereal before topping with red sugar candies. The “Peppermint Reindeer Feed” ROOcipe is whipped up by drizzling a melted Hershey’s® chocolate bar over General Mills Rice Chex® cereal, cooling in the freezer for 10 minutes and then topping with powdered white sugar and crushed candy canes .

For even more festive ROOcipe ideas, visit the Kangaroo Express Facebook page at http://on.fb.me/1veAjYg.

“Kangaroo Express stores feature a wide variety of the on-the-go meals and snacks, giving our guests a convenient place to pick up ingredients for their holiday festivities,” said Gordon Schmidt, senior vice president of operations, Kangaroo Express. “We look forward to the unique, delicious ROOcipes our loyal guests will whip up this year using everyday items found right at their local Kangaroo Express.”

Starting on Dec. 3, guests are encouraged to share their ROOcipe creations on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram using the #ROOcipes hashtag for a chance to win a $20 Kangaroo Express gift card and have their ROOcipe featured on the Kangaroo Express Facebook page. One contest winner will be chosen on Dec. 18.

While picking up ingredients for the perfect ROOcipe, guests can also buy last-minute stocking stuffers like ear buds, smart phone cases and remote control toys. No holiday shopping trip is complete without a chocolate fix, and during the month of December Kangaroo Express is also offering limited edition double dark hot chocolate; perfect on its own or as part of a customized Bean Street Coffee brew with whipped topping, flavored creamers and more. With the refillable $1.99 Roo Mug offering 99-cent refills, plus tax, all year long, that’s a chocolate fix that’s easy on the taste buds and the pocket.