It has nothing to do with the ingredient …
Jason Donnelly
develop up in Iowa in the ‘ 90 , there were sure items that were essentially essential at every bake sale andpotluck . Scotcheroos . Snickerdoodles . Brownies . All of these are staples — and gang - pleasers — but one of the bountiful icons of our regional sweet - scape of all is Puppy Chow .
Credit:Jason Donnelly
Also known by other monikers like “ Muddy Buddies ” ( which is how it ’s now sell as by Chex Mix ) , “ reindeer chow , ” or “ muddy munch , ” Puppy Chow was always a personal favourite . As mussy as it is craveable , I knew it was going to be a good week when Mom rupture out a newspaper grocery store cup of tea to shake up a unfermented lot . Once I grow up , moved to New York City , and then planted root back to Iowa 12 eld ago , I ’ve loved introducing protagonist from around the orb to theno - bake world .
wonder “ what is Puppy Chow ? ” You ’ve barked up the right Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree . I ’ve catch your answers below , and am sharing my trick for make your next batch your best , whether this is the first or fiftieth time you ’ve made it .
What Is Puppy Chow?
Before we go any further , it ’s important to note that this isnotfood meant for dogs . In fact , our friends atDaily Pawsconfirm that chocolate is toxic for dog ( andcats ) . Puppy Chow is a cereal grass - base snack / sweet that is named for the path it resembles pebble - like dog food once that cereal is tossed with melted deep brown and goober butter and dusted in pulverized sugar . The name does n’t precisely do its delectability justice , so if you have n’t try out it yet , intrust us : It ’s like the irresistible and sweet full cousin to Chex Mix .
It ’s tough to trap down where on the button Puppy Chow was create , but it has been reach down through generations of fellowship and home political economy family along what some have start out calling the “ Puppy Chow belt , ” which embrace Wisconsin , the Dakotas , Iowa , and Nebraska .
Over the years , Puppy Chow variations have pop up almost as robustly as stalks in a corn field . I ’ve watch the great unwashed make it their own with Nutella , tahini , or cookie butter instead of peanut butter . Mash - upfans infuse the cereal grass bite with tang like funfetti natal day cake , lemon bars , and banana cream Proto-Indo European . And others level in mix - ins like crumbled Oreos , Reese ’s Pieces , ortrail mix . I ’ve even remark a few folks on ahigh - protein dietwho dust their Puppy Chow with it with protein powder alternatively of powdered wampum .
How to Make Puppy Chow
Although those riffs are enticing and tasty , too , in my public opinion , nothing can beat the original . To make the classical edition of this iconic Midwestern formula :
My Secret for the Best Puppy Chow
After that templet for how to make Puppy Chow , it ’s in all likelihood clear that my secret for your best pile has nothing to do with extra ingredients . It is n’t related to the centering during the formula , either . My enigma for the in effect Puppy Chow is to freeze out it .
It ’s A - okay ( and very handy ) to stack away Puppy Chow in an airtight container for up to 5 days . you’re able to also refrigerate it for up to 1 calendar week . But to max out the ledge liveliness — and set your next self up for snacking success — you’re able to fulfil your freezer with a mickle or two of Puppy Chow to snack on for up to 3 calendar month .
Not only does this stretch the life of your collation mix , but it also does incredible things for the texture and the nip . like to how grape vine translate into methamphetamine pop - like eyeball after freeze , coated cereal gets surplus crispy . Plus , since the hot chocolate , earthnut butter , and fine-grained sugar are all much cooler than you ’d normally enjoy them , the chocolate melts and powdered sugar dissolves at a different pace — which cover the enjoyment and is really pleasing , if you demand me ! Each burn almost “ salad days ” on the tongue if you’re able to resist chewing it immediately .
But do n’t just take my word for it . Fellow Midwesterner , formula developer andPinch of Yumcreator Lindsay Ostrum swears by this technique , too , and ups the ante by recommending that we double the chocolate and groundnut butter quantity to promote the formation of clusters . This “ makes for supremely satisfying grazing . It ’s a literal delight , ” she says .
Do n’t tempt me with a estimable time , Lindsay . Actually , do . My pantry is always stocked with the ingredient required to coax another appendage into the Puppy Chow fan nine , and extrachocolateand peanut vine butter for sure ca n’t hurt !
