Shriya’s Puppy Chow

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I grew up in the Midwest, and one snack I looked forward to every winter was puppy chow, also known as reindeer food. It made an appearance at every holiday party, and the fact that it is named for something animals eat made it all the more exciting to scarf down.

Puppy chow is delicious, quick to make, and a great homemade gift, too!

What you’ll need:

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  • 1 box of Chex cereal (about 12 ounces)
  • A large mixing bowl
  • 2 cups of chocolate chips
  • 1 cup peanut butter*
  • A microwave-safe bowl or small pot
  • A spatula
  • 3­ to 4 cups of powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

*If you’re allergic to nuts, you can omit the peanut butter, and the chow will still be tasty. Maybe add caramel or something else!

The measurements I listed for the ingredients are just a baseline—you can increase or decrease the amount of chocolate, peanut butter, and powdered sugar, all to taste.

How to do it:

Step One

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So first, you want to put the whole box of Chex cereal in a large bowl. You’re going to be mixing everything up in this bowl, so make sure it’s big enough to hold the peanut butter and chocolate as well.

Step Two

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Put the chocolate chips and peanut butter in a microwave-safe bowl, or in a
pot on the stove, depending on how you plan to warm this stuff up. If you’re using a microwave, zap the combination for 60 seconds, and then check on it. If the chips aren’t melted, keep adding 15 to 30 seconds until they’re liquified. If you’re using a stove, put the pot on a burner set at medium heat. Within a few minutes, the chips should be melted.

Step Three

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Stir the melted chocolate and peanut butter until they are fully blended, then add the vanilla extract and stir that in, too.

Step Four

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Pour the chocolate/PB goop greatness over the Chex, and mix it carefully with a spatula. If you are too forceful, you’ll break the cereal up and you want to keep the pieces intact. (I know you’re strong but show off your tender side here.)

Step Five

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After the goop evenly covers the cereal, add the powdered sugar a cup at a time. Don’t pour it all in at once, or you’ll end up with giant clumps of sugar. Mixing will get easier as the powdered sugar coats the Chex. It won’t be as sticky.

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All ready to be devoured!! Eat it straight out of the bowl or put some in a plastic bag to take on the go:

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Be sure to store leftovers in an air-tight container to prevent the chow from getting stale. You can keep it in your pantry or the fridge.

Conquer 2016 with your snack in hand, friend! —Shriya