Puppy chow (snack) facts for kids
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| Alternative names | Monkey Munch, Muddy Buddies, Muddy Munch, Reindeer Chow, Doggy Bag |
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| Course | Snack |
| Place of origin | United States |
| Main ingredients | Chocolate, peanut butter, cereal, powdered sugar |
| 20 kcal (84 kJ) | |
Puppy Chow is a yummy, homemade snack from the United States. It's also known by other fun names like Monkey Munch, Muddy Buddies, Muddy Munch, Reindeer Chow, or Doggy Bag. This sweet treat is usually made with cereal, melted chocolate, peanut butter, and powdered sugar. It's a popular snack for both kids and adults, especially during holidays or parties.
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What is Puppy Chow?
Puppy Chow is a simple snack that doesn't need any baking. It gets its name because it looks a bit like dog food, but don't worry, it's made for humans! The main idea is to coat cereal in a mix of melted chocolate and peanut butter, then shake it all up with powdered sugar.
Main Ingredients
The most common ingredients for Puppy Chow are:
- Cereal: Usually, people use square-shaped cereals like Chex or Crispix. These cereals have lots of nooks and crannies that hold the chocolate and sugar mix well.
- Chocolate: You'll need chocolate chips or melting chocolate.
- Peanut Butter: Creamy peanut butter works best. If someone has a peanut allergy, they can use other nut butters or nut-free options like sun butter.
- Powdered Sugar: This fine sugar gives the snack its white, "dusty" look and sweet taste.
How to Make It
Making Puppy Chow is super easy and fun!
- First, you melt the chocolate and peanut butter together. This makes a smooth, gooey sauce.
- Next, you pour this warm sauce over the cereal in a big bowl. You gently stir it until all the cereal pieces are covered.
- Finally, you put the coated cereal into a bag with powdered sugar. Then, you shake, shake, shake! This coats every piece with a sweet, white layer.
Why is Puppy Chow Popular?
Puppy Chow is a favorite snack for many reasons.
- Easy to Make: It's simple enough for kids to help make, and it doesn't require an oven.
- Great for Sharing: It's perfect for parties, sleepovers, or family gatherings because you can make a big batch.
- Fun for Holidays: Many families make Puppy Chow during holidays like Christmas or for special events like game nights.
Muddy Buddies: The Store-Bought Version
Did you know that you can also buy a version of Puppy Chow in stores? A company called General Mills started selling their own version called Muddy Buddies in 2010. This snack has been popular in some parts of the country since the 1980s, even before it was sold in stores.
