munchie mix

If you've ever checked out the back of a Chex cereal box you'll find easy snack recipes that take less than 15 minutes to make. One of my favorites is the Chex Muddy Buddie recipe which I renamed "Munchie Mix" because once you start munchin' on it, you just can't stop.


This recipe is also all over the internet, but some have really unappetizing names. Like puppy chow or puppy food? Who wants to eat something that sounds like dog food? Monkey mix? I actually liked this name but after I thought about it, none of the ingredients have anything to do with monkeys. "Munchie mix" it is! So make some this holiday and munch away.....


Munchie Mix
start to finish: 15 minutes - 18 servings (1/2 cup each)


INGREDIENTS
9 cups Chex cereal - rice, corn, or a combination of both. ***I used rice cereal to keep it a gluten-free recipe***
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips ***I substituted Belgium 72% dark chocolate and chopped it into small pieces. I would also recommend bittersweet chocolate chips/chunks because this recipe has a fair amount of powdered sugar in it***
1/2 cup peanut butter ***Use smooth, unsalted and natural peanut butter. Organic doesn't hurt either***
1/4 cup butter ***Again, unsalted and organic***
1 teaspoon vanilla extract***Use the real stuff - no imitations here!***
pinch of kosher salt ***my added touch***
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar ***I used Trader Joe's Organic Powdered Sugar***


1. In a large bowl, measure cereal; set aside.


2. In a 1-quart microwavable bowl, microwave chocolate, peanut butter and butter uncovered for 1 minute; stir. Microwave about 30 seconds longer or until mixture can be stirred smooth. Stir in vanilla extract and kosher salt. Pour mixture over cereal, stirring until evenly coated. Pour into a 2-gallon ziplock food-storage plastic bag.


3. Add powdered sugar. Seal bag; shake until well coated. Spread onto a parchment paper or wax paper lined baking sheet to cool and dry. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.