I’d never made Puppy Chow (or Muddy Buddies, Garbage, etc) before this attempt and I knew I wanted to start out on the right foot.  As much as I love sugar (a lot!), I prefer a mix of flavors to a dish so sweet it makes your teeth hurt.  Enter Cheez-its.

This Puppy Chow has the perfect balance of salty and sweet.  You can definitely eat it by the handful.  I certainly did.  And so did my friends, who generally eat much more like dietitians than I do!  Plus this great party snack comes together in a snap.  You basically just melt, mix, and shake-shake-shake!

Sweet ‘n Salty Puppy Chow, yields 8 servings

• 2.5 cups corn squares cereal
• 2 cups Cheez-its
• 1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup smooth peanut butter
• 3/4 cup powdered sugar

1. Place powdered sugar into a large sealable food-storage plastic baggie and set aside.  Prepare a large baking sheet with aluminum foil.
2. Place chocolate and peanut butter into a large microwave-safe bowl.  Microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring regularly, until fully melted.
3. Use a spatula to fold cereal and crackers into melted peanut butter and chocolate until evenly coated.
4. Place mix into powdered sugar bag, seal, and shake, shake, shake until squares are evenly coated.
5. Pour onto prepared baking sheet and spread into a thin even layer.  Let dry, 1o minutes or so.  Store in the fridge in a sealed container.

What does your family call it?  Puppy Chow, Garbage, Trash, Muddy Buddies, something new??