I have come across a snack mix that is typically referred to as Puppy Chow. It is a snack mix that is covered with tons of powdered sugar and is typically seen during the holiday season. Has it made an appearance near you?
I have never eaten this snack mix before. First of all it’s covered in powdered sugar which means it’s gonna be major sweet. And secondly, it’s called Puppy Chow for frack’s sake. I’m not eating that. At the risk of sounding totally snotty, I don’t even feed my dog kibble, you think I’m gonna touch something that is named after some crappy dog food?
Fat chance.
I don’t know what prompted me to look into this snack mix a bit further but I did and realized that it’s pretty easy to make.
I decided to come up with my own recipe because most of the other recipes I saw used lots of butter or shortening. Even the vegan versions used vegan shortening.
Totally unnecessary! I knew I could come up with something better AND it’s not named after a really crappy dog food, it has a festive cute name instead. If you don’t dig on Reindeer Crunch, feel free to call it “Stuff” or “Addicting” instead, I won’t be mad at ya.
Andrea’s Reindeer Crunch
- 4C of Kashi Honey Heart to Heart Cereal
- 2C Mini pretzels
- 1C Unsweetened Banana Chips
- 1.5C Dark chcolate chips
- 1/2C All natural Peanut Butter
- 1/2TBSP Coconut oil
- 2.5C Powdered sugar
In a very large bowl mix the cereal, pretzels, and banana chips together. In a double boiler, melt the chocolate, peanut butter, and coconut oil together until smooth and creamy. Remove from heat and pour over top of the mixture in the bowl. Stir to make sure everything is coated with the chocolate mixture. Start adding in the powdered sugar until everything is white and covered in sugar.
Immediately start stuffing your face with your new snack mix.
I used coconut oil in place of the butter and shortening I saw in other recipes. I also decreased the amount a great deal. Using several tablespoons of butter or shortening is totally unnecessary and a bit excessive. In fact I don’t even think the coconut oil is even required. I bet this would work just as well without it.
I like Kashi cereals but if you want to use Honey Nut Cheerios instead, knock yourself out. That would work just fine.
You probably could melt the chocolate, peanut butter, and coconut oil in the microwave but a double boiler is super easy to make and I think results in a creamier better tasting chocolate. If you want to try the microwave, give it a shot, I’m not making any promises though!
I do have two sticking points.
1. Don’t use crap chocolate, get good chocolate. This means bypass the Hershey’s or store brand chips and get yourself some nice chocolate. I used Ghirardelli 60% dark chocolate chips.
2. When I say all natural peanut butter, I mean it. No Jif, or Skippy, or anything like that. I am talking peanut butter where the ingredients consist of two items: peanuts and salt. That’s it. The kind of peanut butter you have to stir first and then store in the fridge. Trust me, your body and your friends will thank you for this choice.
This is a recipe that is easy and can be done in like 5 minutes. It’s also a recipe that can make a ton if you need it for parties or perhaps for some gift giving. :)
Happy Holidays!
that looks delicious and much better than this puppy chow business.
I’ve never tried or actually seen puppy chow at a get together. just heard of it from american friends. never seen kix mix? at parties here either.
A, Kix Mix? Maybe Chex Mix, it’s a snacky mix with pretzels and stuff. However Kix is another kind of cereal and that would work too! :p
Lynn, They do look like antlers! I’m so clever and I didn’t even realize it.
Kilax, This is good information to know! I have a friend who can’t have dairy and sometimes I struggle trying to find good chocolate chips that are dairy free. The 60% has milk fat but they are sooo good and I can get a 3lb bag of them at Sam’s. I will have to pick up some semi-sweet to have on hand though. For PB, I use Smucker’s All Natural. It’s pretty easy to find and it only has two ingredients. It’s really tasty!
Lauren & Melissa, If you guys try it, let me know how it turned out! :)
Jessica, Welcome to OHC! I never even heard of the stuff till I moved to Ohio so I guess it’s got some history too it. Love your story!
Rachel, Ha! At least mine is a little healthier.
mmm i love the reindeer crunch – they almost look like antlers…is that too gross to think of?
I always use Ghirardelli semi-sweet, since it doesn’t have milk in it. (Their 60% cocoa does! :( ) What PB do you recommend?
LOL, your rant about puppy chow made me laugh. I love the stuff, but think it is good that you came up with a healthier version. Thanks! :)
MMMm, this sounds awesome!
i am totally making that tonight. i was searching the other night for a healthier puppy chow or pb chex mix recipe…i think you read my mind (or searches. lol).
I’ll admit that puppy chow = legal crack (for me, anyway) AND once, in grade school, I wrote it down as a potential holiday snack for school and my teacher thought I was trying to be funny…thar day was pretty much mortifying…
I’ll have to try your recipe, though. :)
I have banished this delicious addicting stuff from my mind but thanks to you here it is again. Must make some tomorrow!
Looks good. Might have to make some!!
This is a great twist! Although, I have to admit I just had some puppy chow at my cookie exchange made by my co-host! I do love it, but haven’t made it myself in forever, mainly because we don’t eat much cereal anymore. I thought it was interesting you found so many recipes with shortening. I must remember mixing the pb and choc and sometime using butter. Great idea to use the coconut oil.
You are so right get the good chocolate! I’m such a chocolate snob, some of the stuff isn’t worth touching, it tastes like wax.
I’m so tempted to try this recipe out despite already knowing all the desserts I’m making for Christmas. It sounds so festive and amazing. I love your personal twist on it too!