Puppy Chow

I posted about puppy chow once before, but I love this addictive party snack. Why not throw together a batch to share with friends if you’re watching the Superbowl this weekend? Or if you’re looking for something savory, check out my recipes for jalapeño poppers, potato skins, and hot wings!

A friend of my mother’s gave her a bag of this sweet treat as a holiday gift, and we’ve been hooked ever since. It’s easy to whip up a big batch for a crowd, and is guaranteed to be a hit. Over time I’ve experimented a bit with the chocolate:peanut butter:margarine ratios and this is the version I like best. And once you’ve tasted it the regular way, try mixing up the cereal; any kind of puffy, crunchy corn or rice cereal will work, and give you a slightly different tactile experience. While you’re at it, different nut butters would taste great as well — try almond butter, hazelnut butter, or pecan butter.

Puppy Chow

Ingredients

• 14 oz crispy corn and rice cereal
• 1 3/4 c vegan chocolate chips
• 1 c peanut butter
• 1/3 c vegan margarine
• 1 lb powdered sugar
• large brown paper bag

Method:

Pour cereal into a large mixing bowl. In a covered microwavable dish, melt together chocolate, peanut butter, and margarine. Mix until smooth; pour over cereal. Toss gently to incorporate. Pour coated cereal into a paper grocery bag, and pour powdered sugar on top. Fold down the top of the bag tightly (so you aren’t huffing powdered sugar fumes) and shake hard for a few minutes so that the cereal becomes evenly coated. Pour into a baking dish and let cool. Puppy chow can be stored in an air-tight container.