Chex Muddy Buddies (or Puppy Chow)

My boyfriend asked me the other day why I haven't made puppy chow lately and I gave him this clueless look like what the heck is puppy chow? Opps... didn't realize that Puppy Chow and Chex Muddy Buddies are the same. No matter what its called though this snack is amazing and is a perfect little treat without having to break out the ice cream or cookies. I basically follow the recipe so I will post it below... if you want the exact one check out the Chex website.

• 9 cups Rice Chex


• 1 cup chocolate chips (I use milk chocolate)


• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (I use the one with less fat)


• 1/4 cup butter (I get away with only 2 tbsp.)


• Powdered Sugar


• 1 tsp. vanilla

In a microwave-safe bowl, heat chips, peanut butter, and butter until smooth and creamy (I pop it in for 30-45 seconds, stir it, and then go in 10-15 second increments until its done). Stir in the vanilla.

In a large ziploc bag, pour in the rice chex. Add the chocolate mixture and zip bag closed. Toss the chex and chocolate around until evenly coated. Add powdered sugar, zip, and toss around until evenly coated. (I add the sugar in 1/2 cup increments until it gets to be sugary enough for me ... I'm not even sure exactly what measurement it is).

Spread evenly on a cookie sheet and cool. Store in an airtight container or clean ziplock.

Granola

My boyfriend and I were at the grocery store the other day picking up a couple items for a snack that evening. He loves yogurt with granola and fruit on top, and after going down the granola aisle I thought, this would be so easy to make and you can add whatever ingredients you want. So below is the base recipe, additional ingredients can be added - you just have to experiment a little and see what you like.

• 8 cups rolled oats


• 1 1/2 cups brown sugar


• 1/2 cup water


• 4 tsp. vanilla


• 1 tsp. salt


• 2 cups nuts (optional)

Preheat oven to 275F.

Line cookie sheets with parchment paper.

In a microwave-safe bowl, heat sugar and water in microwave on high abut 5 minutes or until sugar has dissolved.



Add vanilla and salt. Mix oats, nuts, and sugar mixture together until well combined. Spread on cookie sheets and bake about 45 minutes to an hour. When granola is cool, break into pieces and store in a tightly sealed container or bag.

For the nuts I am a big fan of almonds and peanuts, usually separate, but would also be great together. Other nuts and dried fruit would also work great in this recipe.

Original recipe courtesy of Food Network