Puppy Chow, a.k.a. Muddy Buddies

I don't know where exactly someone got the idea to call this treat "puppy chow", but it sure doesn't taste like dog food (not that I've tasted dog food...the smell alone is enough to turn me off!).

Maybe it's named for the small brown-ish chunks.

Or maybe because it's so good you will chow it down like an energetic little puppy.

But that's about as far as the similarities go. In fact, it would be quite bad to give this to your dog as it contains chocolate...one of the reasons why it's so delicious.

These finger-licking little morsels of goodness are perfect for bringing along as a snack, which is exactly what I did this week with my crazy exam schedule. It really was too bad that the puppy chow only lasted a few days because it was so delicious! Although I think Damon ate most of the puppy chow, I have him to thank for suggesting to make it in the first place.

Luckily puppy chow only takes a few minutes to put together, which was a good thing as exam studying was calling my name. With Damon helping, the process went even faster (plus he was a good model for the blog!).

This is one case where natural peanut butter is not as good because the oil separates.

A little vanilla for extra flavor...

Stir gently. Don't make it into puppy dust!

Pretty powdered sugar :)

Shake it up – and dance while you're at it.

Blog post in action!

Although the recipe says to store the puppy chow in the refrigerator...nobody has that much room in their fridge. Besides, I think it tastes better at room temperature anyways!

Puppy Chow

Serves: 18 (1/2 cup servings)

Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

9 cups rice chex, corn chex, or chocolate chex cereal

1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

1/2 cup peanut butter

1/4 cup butter or margarine

1 tsp. vanilla

1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

Directions:

1. Measure cereal into a large bowl (preferably a plastic bowl with a top) and set aside.

2. Microwave chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter for one minute on high in an uncovered microwaveable bowl. Stir. Microwave about 30 more seconds or until smooth when mixed.

3. While still hot and melty, pour chocolate mixture over cereal, gently stirring until evenly coated.

4. If not using a bowl with a lid, pour chex into a resealable plastic bag.

5. Add powdered sugar and seal bowl or plastic bag. Gently shake until evenly coated.

6. Spread on waxed paper to cool. Store in airtight container in refrigerator.

Recipe from: General Mills Rice Chex Cereal