CHRISTMAS PUPPY CHOW

Whether you know it as puppy chow or muddy buddies we can all agree that the chex mix-based treat is absolutely delicious and addictive. If you’re wondering what in the world we’re talking about, don’t worry, it’s got nothing to do with mud or pet food; puppy chow is a simple sweet that spruces up a box of chex mix cereal, typically by adding melted chocolate chips, peanut butter and powdered sugar. Everything gets shaken together until the cereal is completely coated and, while it doesn’t look like the most appetizing thing right off the bat, it tastes amazing and you’ll devour the bowl in no time.

Ingredients :
8 c Rice Chex cereal
2 c dark chocolate chips
2 T butter, softened
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon peppermint extract
1 c mint M&Ms
1 ½ c powdered sugar

Instructions
In a medium sized bowl, add rice chex and set aside.
Melt chocolate chips in microwave in 25 second increments stirring well between heating. You will not want to overheat it. When it looks like most of the chips are melted, just keep stirring instead of heating more. Stir in the vanilla and peppermint as well as the butter (if desired).
Pour mixture over Chex and stir to combine and evenly coat cereal. Chill in the refrigerator for about 5-10 minutes.
Transfer the chocolate Chex mixture to a large ziploc bag and add powdered sugar. Shake well to coat.
Transfer back to bowl and allow to continue to cool until ready to serve.
Toss in the M&M’s and extra chocolate chips if desired.
Store in an air tight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Notes
You can use a double boiler method to melt the chocolate if you prefer instead of using the microwave.
If you prefer, you can use just the peppermint extract and omit the vanilla in this Christmas Chex Mix. I like the combination of the two.
This makes for a great gift to have in holiday jars or mason jars with a big bow on top!
This recipe can certainly be a great option for St. Patrick’s Day as well–Just add green and white M&Ms instead! Or if there isn’t a special holiday around the corner, regular M&Ms are great as well!
Nutrition
Calories: 319kcal | Carbohydrates: 49g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 4mg | Sodium: 206mg | Potassium: 219mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 28g | Vitamin A: 375IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 164mg | Iron: 6mg