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| nutritional information (per serving) | |
|---|---|
| 260 | calories |
| 14g | Fat |
| 31g | carbohydrates |
| 6g | protein |
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| nutritional information | |
|---|---|
| Servings: 16 | |
| amount per serving | |
| calories | 260 |
| % Daily Value* | |
| 14g | 18% |
| Saturated Fat 5g | 25% |
| 6 mg | 2% |
| 247 mg | 11% |
| 31g | 11% |
| dietary fiber 3g | 10% |
| Total sugar 18g | |
| 6g | |
| Vitamin C 3 mg | 15% |
| Calcium 69 mg | 5% |
| iron 5 mg | 30% |
| Potassium 226 mg | 5% |
| *The % Daily Value (DV) indicates how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories per day is used for general nutritional advice. | |
(Nutritional information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)
The first time I heard about puppy food was over a decade ago when I was working with a chef making large batches of it for the holidays. I didn't pay much attention to what she was doing and was confused as to why she wanted to give away packages of dog food, but whatever. I had seen a lot of nonsensical things in my life, so I didn't question that. A few minutes later, I saw her tossing Chex rice cereal into large pans filled with melted chocolate, and I asked again what she was doing, to which she replied, “Hi, I just told you!” I make puppy food !” I finally put two and two together and realized that puppy food wasn't what I thought it was.
Why is it called puppy food?
Also known as “muddy buddies”, “monkey eaters”, “elk eaters” and “reindeer chow”. This treat, which is mainly prepared around the holiday season, is quite literally the easiest snack to prepare. Named for its resemblance to real puppy food (and possibly for the 1937 release of Chex cereal, known to some as “human food” by the Purina company), human puppy food became a staple in the Midwest by the 1960s.
What is in puppy food?
Most of the recipes for this treat are really similar. Mine calls for Rice Chex Granola (to keep this snack gluten-free), equal parts chocolate and peanut butter, some butter to improve viscosity, and a good amount of salt for a nice umami touch. You can change the ratios to find your preferred proportion of chocolate, peanut butter, and salt.
recipe tips
- Gradually heating the chocolate will prevent it from burning and the mixture from getting too hot.
- Stop heating the chocolate in the microwave when there are a few unmelted bits left in the bowl – the residual heat from the already melted chocolate will help melt the rest as you stir.
- Don't toss the chocolate-covered granola in the powdered sugar if it's too hot. As a result, the sugar only dissolves completely and the puppy food no longer looks powdery.
“An easy way to combine delicious flavors in one snack. However, make sure you get to them quickly if you don't live alone, or they'll disappear.” —Noah Vellush-Rogers
1 Cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 Cup creamy peanut butter
3 tablespoon unsalted butter
3/4 teaspoon fine Salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
8th cups Rice Chex Grain
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
Gather the ingredients.
The spruce eats / Bahareh Niati
In a microwave-safe mixing bowl, combine chocolate, peanut butter, and butter.
The spruce eats / Bahareh Niati
Microwave the chocolate mixture in 30-second increments on high power, stirring in between, until completely melted, about 1 1/2 to 2 minutes total. Cook until the chocolate has just melted. Don't let it cook for too long or the chocolate may burn.
The spruce eats / Bahareh Niati
Stir in the salt and vanilla until smooth.
The spruce eats / Bahareh Niati
Place the rice granola in a large mixing bowl and pour over the chocolate mixture. Mix until all of the granola is completely covered. Leave in the fridge for 5 minutes to cool down a bit.
The spruce eats / Bahareh Niati
Place the powdered sugar in a large ziplock bag. Place the coated cereal in the ziplock bag, seal, then shake to coat evenly.
The spruce eats / Bahareh Niati
Line a baking sheet with a piece of parchment or wax paper. Place the muesli on the tray and spread and separate the pieces with your fingers. Place in the fridge to set, about 20 minutes.
The spruce eats / Bahareh Niati
recipe variations
- Try substituting Nutella or another nut butter for the peanut butter. You can also experiment with milk and white chocolate or use a combination.
- Add fun things like mini marshmallows, pretzel sticks, or grated coconut to the mix.
How to store it
Store puppy food in an airtight container or zip-lock bag for up to 1 week at room temperature, 2 weeks in the refrigerator, or up to 3 months in the freezer.
