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.

M&M Peanut Butter Cookie Cups

I am always looking for cute new ways to make cookies that aren't just the classic flat circle. These are so adorable and perfectly bite-sized. The original recipe comes from Picky Palate but I changed a couple things to make it easier and so that I could just use ingredients already in the pantry.

• 1 cup peanut butter


• 2/3 cup sugar


• 1 egg


• 1 cup chocolate chips


• 3 tbsp heavy cream


• 1/4 cup mini M&M's

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Place peanut butter, sugar and egg into a large bowl and mix until well combined. Scoop dough evenly into a 12 count mini cheesecake pan or mini muffin pan. Cook for 15-18 minutes. Remove and set aside to cool for 10 minutes.

Place chocolate chips into a microwave safe bowl and microwave in 30 second intervals until melted smooth. Stir in heavy cream until silky and smooth. You can return back to microwave for 15 seconds to get a thinner consistency. Spoon chocolate over top and sprinkle with mini M&M's.