I don’t enjoy cooking or baking, but twice a year I make puppy chow. It’s an old habit. I actually remember the first time I ever tasted puppy chow (or Muddy Buddies, as they’re officially called on the back of the Chex box). I was at a pool party with my parents and young enough not to really understand who the party was for. There was a snack table outside with a bowl of puppy chow and *delight* *joy* *holy shit is that stuff delicious*. The very first time experiencing the chocolate, peanut butter, and powdered sugar magic.
When it started to rain the party guests huddled inside and I remember being worried about the puppy chow. In my memory, I took it inside. Or maybe I hovered over to the adult who had saved it from the weather.
So, yeah, I really like the stuff. I learned to make it and made it into an event when I had friends over. We’d make puppy chow together (or they’d watch me – I had a method) and then eat most of it. Or all of it, as my best friend and I did on one occasion when we were ten or eleven, resulting in a sugar high evening of charades and me teaching her yoga (when I had never done yoga). My other friend and I would sometimes just melt chocolate and peanut butter over Rice Krispies and eat a big bowl like cereal while playing Mario Kart. The good old days.
In the past twelve years, I’ve made it every April and shared with those around me: dorm mates, roommates, coworkers. I celebrate April 21st as a personal happiness day, and puppy chow is one way to bring happiness. Making it last night – a double batch to try to accommodate our growing headcount at work – I still find something cathartic in the simple process. It’s familiar and meditative. So much has changed, but this, this doesn’t. Well, I guess I did mix some chocolate Easter Eggs in, to stay in season.
Ingredients:
- Chex Cereal (9 Cups)
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (1 Cup)
- Peanut Butter (½ Cup – ish, to taste)
- Vanilla (1 tsp)
- Butter (¼ cup)
- Powdered Sugar (however much you need)
Method: Melt chocolate, add PB, vanilla, and melted butter. Pour over Chex, mix thoroughly. Add powdered sugar until coated. It’s maddeningly simple.
Because I don’t make puppy chow often, it still feels special to me. Like Christmas Candy. Or pancakes from a restaurant I only visit twice a year in Door County. The magic is preserved.
With Love,
Natalie