Peppermint Bark Puppy Chow

Looking for a fun and festive no-bake treat this holiday season? Then look no more!

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Oh, friends... Can I just tell you how embarrassed I am about how long I agonized over what to name this recipe?

(You can measure the time in hours...)

I was torn between two possible options because, depending on who you ask, the classic version of this insanely addictive snack can be called "muddy buddies" or "puppy chow".

It has always been muddy buddies for me, and I have fond memories of learning how to make huge batches of it in my middle school home economics class. In fact, I don't think I actually met anyone who always knew it as puppy chow until I was in graduate school.

Despite my personal attachments, I finally decided to call my holiday version of this sweet treat Peppermint Bark Puppy Chow because I'm a fan of alliteration. I mean, it rolls off the tongue more smoothly, right?

But I digress...

Rather than call for a mixture of chocolate, peanut butter, and powdered sugar, this twist on puppy chow is inspired by the peppermint bark sold in red and white tins during the winter months. If peppermint bark is your jam, then you're going to love this.

Since peppermint bark traditionally consists of a layer of dark chocolate topped with a layer of white chocolate topped with pieces of peppermint candy, you'll find those same components in my Peppermint Bark Puppy Chow.

(If you prefer one chocolate over the other, then feel free to use all dark chocolate or all white chocolate in yours.)

Start with a bowl of Rice Chex cereal.

Then take a cup of dark chocolate melting wafers...

and melt them over a double boiler (or in the microwave according to package direction) until the chocolate is smooth and shiny.

Pour the melted chocolate over the cereal...

and carefully fold the cereal and chocolate together until all of the cereal pieces have been coated.

Stir in some crushed candy canes and then spread the mixture out onto a baking sheet that's been lined with waxed paper to cool.

As you may have guessed, you're going to follow the same steps for the pieces with white chocolate. Put some more cereal in a clean bowl.

Then take a cup of white chocolate melting wafers...

and melt over a double boiler until smooth.

Pour the melted white chocolate over the cereal and stir gently to coat. Stir in the rest of your crushed candy canes and then spread the mixture out on another wax paper-lined baking sheet to cool.

Once everything has cooled, combine the dark chocolate pieces and the white chocolate pieces in a large bowl and store in an airtight container until you're ready to serve.

Or, just chow down if you have no self-control when you're around chocolate and peppermint... Like me... *ahem*

Obviously, this Peppermint Bark Puppy Chow would be a festive addition to any holiday party table (make lots)...

but it would also make the perfect DIY holiday gift.

Just place the puppy chow in clear cellophane bags, tie the bags up, and adorn them with cute ribbons or bows.

Voila!

Simple, sweet, and made with love.

What are your favorite homemade gifts to give during the holidays? Let me know in the comments!

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