"Puppy Chow"

As always, this is an adaptation of the original recipe I found. I've been making this for several years at holiday time. Last year I was broke and decided to do it for teacher gifts. I bought little containers for about 50 cents apiece, which held about a cup. I have to say I got more response from that teacher gift than I EVER have before! I think 10 people asked me for the recipe. So I plan to do that again this year, even though I am not so broke. :)

It keeps well if sealed properly. I keep it in a big Ziploc in the pantry and the kids rarely get it zipped up right. We've never had to throw any out for being stale. It is a very QUICK and easy snack to whip up for parties or after school, and you can make it as simple or fancy as you like (the original is simply the coated cereal, no added items). It makes you looks like SuperMom! And that's always a good thing! :)

1 cup chocolate chips
1/2 peanut butter
1/4 cup butter

Melt for one minute in microwave on high, stir, then do 15 seconds at a time as needed until melted (I only do this once).

9 cups any plain, unflavored Chex type cereal (generic or other brand is fine) - I use half and half corn and rice. Have this ready in a large bowl. Pour the chocolate mixture over it and then toss gently with 2 wooden spoons, very gently so as not to crush the cereal. When the cereal is evenly coated, pour into a large Ziploc (the recipe calls for a "2 gallon" but I have never seen these. I use a 1 gallon and it's tight; you could divide in half as well and do it in two bags, but 1 works) with 1-3/4 cups powdered sugar. Shake until evenly coated. At this point I pour it into a clean bag for storage and add up to a cup each (I don't measure, just pour) of stick pretzels, honey roasted peanuts, and M&Ms.