As the school year winds down and summer sports ramp up, our family schedule has gotten busier than ever. Between end-of-season softball games, summer league basketball, and the usual weekday chaos, I’m always on the lookout for easy, portable snacks. This week, my daughter spotted a recipe for what I grew up calling “puppy chow”—but in today’s cereal box parlance, it’s “Chocolate PB Buddy Mix.” She requested we make it together, and it turned out to be the perfect treat for our on-the-go lifestyle.
A Simple, Kid-Friendly Recipe
The recipe, found on the back of a cereal box, is straightforward and doesn’t require any baking—a huge plus for busy families. Here’s how it goes:
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 (1.55-ounce) milk chocolate bars, broken into small pieces
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 9 cups corn squares cereal
- 2 cups powdered sugar
Directions:
- In a medium bowl, combine peanut butter, butter, and chocolate. Microwave on high for 1 minute.
- Microwave in 30-second intervals until the chocolate is melted. Stir in vanilla.
- In a large bowl, combine corn squares and chocolate mixture. Toss until evenly coated and transfer to a rimmed sheet tray. Chill in the refrigerator for 5 minutes.
- Add to a gallon resealable bag. Add powdered sugar, shake until evenly coated, and enjoy.
Our Experience
I’ll admit, I’m not great at melting chocolate in the microwave, so I used a double boiler instead. It took a little longer, but it worked just fine—and the kids loved helping out. Since this recipe doesn’t require raw eggs or baking, there was plenty of taste-testing along the way.
My daughter and I developed a system: sift powdered sugar, fold, sift, fold, and repeat until every piece of cereal was coated. It got messy, but that’s half the fun with kids in the kitchen.
The Verdict
The results in our house were mixed. For me, the snack was a bit too sweet, but the kids enjoyed it. Still, the bowl sat unfinished on the counter, and I suspect the rest will end up in the trash by Friday. Maybe we just made too much—after all, the recipe calls for a whole box of cereal.
If you’re looking for a quick, kid-friendly treat you can toss in a zip-top bag for busy days, Chocolate PB Buddy Mix is worth a try. Just be prepared for a little mess and a lot of sugar.
Pro tip: Consider halving the recipe if you don’t have a crowd to feed, and don’t be afraid to experiment with less powdered sugar if you prefer a lighter touch.
We are excited to offer “What’s Cooking,” the latest feature in our Voices section. This new initiative invites you to share your favorite recipes and photos with our vibrant Local News community. We encourage you to submit your culinary creations and join the conversation at [email protected]. Let’s cook up something special together!
