The holidays are a time to let your hair down in the kitchen. At this time of year, I’m always more lenient about what I eat and am happy to make our seasonal favorites so we can all have a little extra fun. Delicious and delightful Reindeer Chow is one of those recipes that really deserves to be brought out on repeat in December. It contains all the flavors we love – chocolate, peanut butter, and more – and is dressed up with green and red holiday M&M’s. I keep it on our countertop in a bowl and everyone grabs handfuls when they walk by!
Of course, there is technically nothing stopping you from making this year-round with regular M&M’s. They most holiday thing about this is the red and green candy. However, if we had it all the time would it be considered a treat? The nice thing about Reindeer Chow is that it appeals to ages zero to one hundred. I’ve packaged it up in a decorative bag to give to friends and teachers. It also looks pretty packaged in a glass jar and tied with a festive ribbon.
My kids have made this themselves and given it to their own friends, which is sweet. Sometimes I make a big batch and place it in bowls around a grazing table at a big party. It’s the perfect sweet treat to pair with salty food. Reindeer Chow is one of those treats that always, always puts a big smile on our faces. You know it’s Christmas when it appears in our kitchen. Do yourself a favor and make a nice big batch for your family and friends this season.
They’ll thank you and you’ll be so happy you let yourself indulge. After all, it’s the holidays, you should be having fun!
Fun and festive Reindeer Chow recipe
This is the most perfect snack mix for the holiday season! It's a twist on the classic "Puppy Chow" but with a holiday flair.
Ingredients:
5 cups Rice Chex cereal (or Corn Chex)
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup peanut butter (or almond butter)
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 cup mini pretzels
1/2 cup red and green M&M's
1/2 cup holiday sprinkles
Instructions:
1. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the mixture is melted and smooth.
Stir in the vanilla extract.
2. In a large mixing bowl, add the Rice Chex cereal. Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the cereal and gently stir until all the cereal is evenly coated.
3. Transfer the chocolate-coated cereal to a large resealable plastic bag or a large container with a lid. Add the powdered sugar to the bag or container, seal it, and shake well to coat the cereal in the sugar.
4. Once the cereal is coated, pour it into a large serving bowl. Add the mini pretzels, red and green M&M's, and holiday sprinkles. Gently mix to combine.
5. Reindeer Chow can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Nikki Glekas is the owner of Nikki Glekas Events, a full-service catering and events company located in Stamford, CT.. To discuss further please contact team@nikkiglekascollective.com or call 203.658.8659.
Comments