This entire post, including the pictures, is the work of Anita from Swervin' Ervins
I cannot take credit for even one word (except for these top 5 lines).
My kids love "Puppy Chow", also known as Muddy Buddies.
I thought this looked like a great holiday version.
I'm about to go make some..............
Reindeer Chow
1 package vanilla almond bark (1.5 lbs)
1 box rice chex cereal
12 candy canes
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
Start by crushing your candy canes. I shouldn't have to mention this,
but just in case... PLEASE don't use fruity candy canes. You will regret
it. Just get your plain old peppermint candy canes. You can crush them
in a food processor unless you are lacking this cool kitchen gadget -
like me. If so, never fear. Just stick a dozen in a bag and crush with a
meat mallet. If you don't have a meat mallet, find something else heavy
and hard. (No, your child's head should NOT be used to crush candy
canes.)
Crush them so they are nice and powdery with a few big bits and set them aside.
One nice thing about the almond bark that Aldi sells is that the squares
come already separated. There are actually 12 squares in the container,
but because I prefer the cereal not too heavily coated, I like to use
just 10. It's a personal preference. If you'd like the coating more
heavy, just throw it all in. Either way, place it in the biggest bowl
you own that will fit in your microwave.
Melt it, stirring about every 30 seconds or so until smooth. This should take about 2-3 minutes tops.
Add your rice cereal. Mix together with the almond bark, using a rubber
spatula to bring the candy coating up from the bottom. You're going to
"fold" this rather than "stir" it. I hope you get the difference. If
not, just do your best. Getting it coated well will take a few minutes
of you folding and folding and folding and folding to make sure the
almond bark is evenly coating the cereal. Be patient. It's worth it.
Eventually, it will look something like this.
At this point, start stirring in the crushed candy cane. I usually
sprinkle half over the bowl, mix for a minute or so, then add the other
half.
Mix it! Mix it good!
Then do the same thing with your powdered sugar. Don't skip the sugar -
this is what keeps it all from sticking together when it cools and sets.
This makes a ton, so it's great to bring to parties or give out as gifts. It's so yummy!
