Puppy Chow

 

When my husband brought home a red dog bowl after his holiday office party this past December, my first thought was, why in the world would someone give him a gift of dog food knowing we don't own a dog?!?!?!?!  I then realized it was full of "puppy chow."  It lasted just a few days in our house, given that all four of us love anything with peanut butter and chocolate mixed together.  The General Mills Company sells a similar version of this tasty snack - it's called "Muddy Buddies." Lauren has had it before and told me she thought mine was better!! At the grocery store (when you can find it), it's at least $3.00 for a small bag. I don't know about you, but I find that pretty "doggone" expensive!  One word of caution about this "puppy chow," it's VERY hard to just eat a little :)


Ingredients

8 1/2 cups rice square cereal (like Rice Chex)
12-ounce bag semi-sweet chocolate morsels
1/2 cup smooth peanut butter
1/4 cup butter, unsalted
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 3/4 cups powdered sugar (1/4 cup reserved)

In large bowl, put the rice square cereal and set aside.  In medium saucepan, put the semi-sweet chocolate morsels, peanut butter and the butter. Melt slowly on the stove and stir with large spoon until smooth.  Remove from heat and add the vanilla.  Combine thoroughly and then pour over the cereal.  With large spoon, toss gently until all the cereal is covered with the chocolate/peanut butter mixture.  Add the powdered sugar 1/2 cup at a time until all but 1/4 cup is incorporated.  Cover bowl with a lid or foil/plastic wrap and shake lightly.  Put in the fridge for an hour and then remove.  Add the 1/4 cup reserved powdered sugar and toss gently with a large spoon. Serve immediately. Store covered in the fridge for up to one week.