Puppy Chow

Last night Benjamin kept asking if we could make puppy chow (how did he know what I was craving?) and I told him we would make it tomorrow. So the first thing Benjamin asked about this morning after he woke up was when we would make puppy chow. I decided a long time ago that I didn't want to be the mother that made promises but didn't keep them so we made puppy chow today. Benjamin likes to help measure the chocolate chips (and eat his share while waiting!) and cereal. He will be very patient while we measure all of our ingredients and get our stuff prepared but it drives him wild waiting for the chocolate chips to melt in the microwave. His other big responsibility is helping me coat (shake) the cereal mixture in the powdered sugar. As soon as it is done he needs to "test" the puppy chow. I prefer to eat it after it has been cooled. Dave can't stand the stuff which is just fine for Benjamin and me as there is more for us! I can live without potato chips but I have to watch myself with this stuff. I have to really practice self control as this is one of my favorites to snack on. This is the recipe that I use:

Puppy Chow

6 cups cereal (chex, crispix, etc.)
1 cup chocolate chips (6 oz)
1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
1/4 cup cooking oil
2 cups powdered sugar

Melt chocolate chips and cooking oil in microwave for 1 1/2 minutes or until melted, stirring occasionally. Stir in peanut butter until smooth. Pour melted mixture over cereal and shake until well coated. Add two cups powdered sugar and shake until well coated. (I use a gallon Ziplock bag to coat the ceral with the melted mixture. I transfer the coated cereal into a plastic container. I then add the powdered sugar and shake until well coated). Refrigerate.

I hope you enjoy making the puppy chow. Benjamin and I sure did!