Muddy Buddies and Blizzard Bites

Here are some 'Chex' treats I made with my Primary Girls. They loved them. Muddy Buddies were always Heidi's specialty in our home. I had never made them until I made them with my class at Church.

Muddy Buddies
6 cups Chex Cereal - any flavor (more cereal if your taste says)
1-12 ounce package of chocolate chips
1 1/2 cups peanut butter
1/2 butter
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 cups powdered sugar
Melt the chocolate, butter and peanut butter in a large bowl in the microwave until smooth. Add vanilla. Pour in the cereal. Coat well. Pour one cup of the powdered sugar in a zipper lock bag. Pour in as much cereal as fits in the bag - it should all go in. Add the rest of the powdered sugar. Shake the bag well. Pour into a serving bowl and enjoy!

I usually triple or quadruple this recipe when I make it as a gift.
Blizzard Bites
1/2 cup Chex cereal (Rice is the best)
1/4 cup mini twist pretzels
1/4 cup dried pineapple, chopped
1/4 cup coarsely chopped macadamia nuts
1/2 cup 'Craisins' (dried cranberries, regular flavor)
6 Tablespoons white baking chips
In a jar layer the cereal, pretzels and macadamia nuts. Combine the dried pineapple and Craisins. Place them in the jar next. In plastic wrap - wrap up the white baking chips and place on top of the dried fruit. Put a pretty lid in the jar with these directions:
Remove the baking chips from the jar and set aside. Empty remaining contents into a medium bowl, stirring to combine. Place white baking chips in a small saucepan and melt over low heat. Pour melted chips over the snack mixture. Stir until the mixture is evenly coated. Spread in a single layer on waxed paper to harden. Makes about 2 cups of snack mix.

Note: Our family has eaten this mix just out of the jar without melting the white chips, just mixing them in and love it that way. It is good all melted and hardened too. This is fun and easy Christmas gift for children to help with.