Holiday Chex Mix Snack Ideas

Most of the time when you are invited to a holiday gathering, you are asked to bring a dish, a snack-type food or a dessert.  This always makes me very nervous. I always struggle to find out from everyone, their likes and dislikes so that I don’t bring something someone is going to hate. I tend to bounce between the bringing the drinks or something deemed easy to make. I also, kind of believe that my in-laws don't trust my cooking, I may have had a mashed potato faux pas once. Anyway this year, thanks to an idea given to me by General Mills, I decided I would bring Muddy Buddies. A couple quick facts about Chex cereal: Their are eight varieties. Seven are gluten-free. Chex is also free of artificial flavors and colors from artificial sources, and high fructose corn syrup.

  Now, some of you may be unfamiliar with the name but I am fairly certain that a lot of you will know what I’m talking about once I describe it. Muddy Buddies (or “Puppy Chow” as it is called in my area of Illinois) are Chex squares coated in a delicious and perfectly balanced mix of peanut butter and chocolate. All of which, is then dusted with powdered sugar. My favorite part, aside from the flavor, is that the Chex squares stay crisp under all of that melty deliciousness. The recipe is easy to customize too, I’m sure you could use any kind of smooth peanut butter if you prefer, as well as your preferred brand (or even a different flavor!) of semi-sweet chocolate chips. Whichever way you decide to make them, Muddy Buddies are the perfect snack, dessert, and even make a great gift! The recipe for Muddy Buddies is simple, and if you’re not so comfortable in the kitchen, they allow a lot of wiggle room for an “oops”, and they’ll still be yummy. The ingredients and recipe are:

• 9 Cups Rice Chex, Corn Chex, or Chocolate Chex Cereal (or even a mix of Chex types)
• 1 Cup Semisweet Chocolate Chips
• ½ Cup Peanut Butter
• ¼ Cup Butter or Margarine
• 1 Teaspoon Vanilla
• 1 ½ Cups Powdered Sugar

1. Into a large bowl, Measure cereal; set aside.
2. In 1-quart microwavable bowl, microwave chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter on High 1 minute; stir. Microwave about 30 seconds longer or until mixture can be stirred smooth. Stir in vanilla. Pour mixture over cereal, stirring until evenly coated. Pour into 2-gallon resealable food-storage plastic bag.
3. Add powdered sugar. Seal bag; shake well until well coated. Spread on waxed paper to cool. Store in an airtight container in refrigerator.
   
   
   
   
   

I want to point out that I had two assistants, “buddies” if you will, and this recipe did not end with them being muddy at all! This Muddy Buddies recipe is able to be gluten free, thanks to the main ingredient being such, just be sure to check the labels of each ingredient of your choice so that you can be sure the recipe stays that way. I want to quickly thank General Mills for not only sending me the ingredients and the supplies to make the recipe, but also for giving me inspiration for a super quick “I appreciate you” gift before the holidays. My younger brother and sister-in-law had a stressful week and they absolutely loved receiving the adorably packaged Muddy Buddies.

THANKS AGAIN GENERAL MILLS! Merry Christmas!

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