Puppy Chow

What a wonderfully easy, fun, and tastey treat. I made a batch of this to take to work on my birthday. I have always loved puppy chow but have never made it myself. After making it, I know I will be making it more often for get togethers and to take to work as a special treat for my coworkers. Kids love this stuff so it's really good for any gathering where kids will be. Plus, it's fun to make!

Puppy Chow

Source: The back of the Chex box!

Ingredients:

9c Chex (or similar cereal... I used the store brand, rice or corn will work)

1c chocolate chips

1/2c peanut butter

1/4c butter

1tsp vanilla

1 1/2c powdered sugar

Directions:

Pour cereal in a large bowl.

Microwave chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter for one minute. Stir and microwave in 30 second intervals until mixture can be stirred smooth. Stir in vanilla and pour over cereal. Mix until evenly coated.

Divide chex mixture between 2 one gallon ziplock bags (or one 2 gallon bag). Divide powdered sugar among bags, close, and shake until coated.

Spread the chow on waxed paper to cool and set.

Store covered at room temperature.

Fruit Smoothie

Need a good after workout snack? This is it. I love smoothies. I especially love them right after a good workout. They are healthy, taste fabulous, and are SO easy to make. Here is how I make them

Ingredients:
1 c Yogurt (I use vanilla but you can use any complementary fruit if you like)
2 c fresh or frozen fruit
milk

Directions:
Place yogurt and fruit in blender. If using frozen fruit, add about 1/2 c milk. Blend. Add more milk as needed to reach desired consistency.

Homemade Applesauce

I love applesauce. I hate how much it costs in the store though. All it really is is apples, water, and maybe a bit of sugar and cinnamon. That's it. So, I decided to try to make some own. I am very glad I did! This stuff is good. It is a little bit sour but I like it that way so I'm happy. You can always alter this by the type of apples you use also. Next time I think I will try using a couple different varieties of apple to spice it up a bit. This is also a crock pot recipe so even easier to make. I doubled the recipe by using a Gala apples and doubling the rest of the ingredients.


Homemade Applesauce
Source: A Year of CrockPotting
Ingredients:
4 large apples, skinned ,cored, and cut in quarters
juice from 1 lemon
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla
1 tbs brown sugar
1/4 c water

Directions:
Skin, core, and cut your apples into quarters. Place the pieces into your crockpot. Add the juice from the lemon, and the water. Pour in the vanilla and add the cinnamon and brown sugar.

Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours. When the apples are super tender, mash with a potato masher or large fork. My apples were very tender after about 4 hours but my crock tends to cook a bit faster than others.