Ultimate Puppy Chow

Ingredients:
- 12 oz Chex cereal

- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

- 1 1/4 cups creamy peanut butter (I use Jiff)

- 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar

- 6 TBSP salted butter

- 1 tsp vanilla extract

- 1 cup peanut butter M&Ms

- 1 cup crushed pretzels

Directions:

1. In a microwave-safe bowl, mix the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter. Cook for 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth and melted. Don’t overheat. Add the vanilla extract.

2. Pour the cereal in a big bowl.

3. Pour the chocolate mixture over the cereal. Use a spatula to gently lift and stir until coated evenly.

4. Let the cereal rest until it’s wet and shiny, then a bit sticky, 5 to 10 minutes.

5. Spoon half the powdered sugar mixture into two 1-gallon Ziploc bags or one 2-gallon bag.

6. Add the cereal mixture to the bag.

7. Add the remaining powdered sugar, M&Ms, and crushed pretzels.

8. Close the bag and shake, turning it over as you go, until the cereal is mostly coated with powdered sugar and has formed random clusters.

9. Spread the puppy chow on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Sprinkle on a bit more powdered sugar and toss by hand if there are extra gooey spots that need it. Let it sit for 20 to 30 minutes to cool and set.

10. Store the puppy chow in the fridge or freezer.