Midnight Puppy Chow/Muddy Buddies

THIS IS NOT DOG FOOD, I repeat, NOT DOG FOOD. I really shouldn't have to say that, but apparently there are still people out there that have not heard this treat called 'puppy chow', so for the love of all things holy, do NOT serve this to dogs! It is now known also as "muddy buddies", due to the ridiculous idiocy of some not realizing this is NOT for dogs. Whichever name you want to call the mixture, this is a pretty good version. I was going to give it 9/10, but must lower it to 8/10, as after only two days, it went rather stale. The versions I made at Christmastime last year were better, did not go stale like this (will post those recipes soon). Still, this is quick and easy, a nice changeup on the usual mix flavor combos. Not included in the video: I ended up adding another 1/4 c. of powdered sugar to the mix, as it just wasn't quite sweet enough to balance out the chocolate (for us).

Link to my video of making the recipe: https://youtu.be/ecmD-MenDEQ

Link to original recipe: https://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/midnight-puppy-chow

Recipe version below includes my post video modification.

Ingredients:

2.5 oz. milk chocolate (I used a combo of 45% and 55% Lindt "intense cocoa" milk chocolates)

1/4 c. creamy peanut butter

1/4 c. pure maple syrup

1/2 tsp. kosher salt

4 c. Chex cereal (used Rice version)

1/2 c. unsweetened cocoa powder

1/2 c. powdered sugar, divided

Directions:

1. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment and set aside.

2. Add milk chocolate, peanut butter, maple syrup, and kosher salt to a large, microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on HI for 30 sec, then stir to combine as much as possible. Microwave for 10-30 more if needed to achieve a smooth mixture when stirred (I had to go 10 seconds, I think).

3. Add the Chex cereal to the chocolate mixture. Use a rubber spatula to gently fold the cereal with the chocolate. Pour the coated cereal into a gallon sized zip-top plastic bag.

4. In a small bowl, whisk together the cocoa and 1/4 c. of the powdered sugar.  Add mixture to the plastic bag, seal, and shake until evenly coated. Add the remaining 1/4 c. of powdered sugar, seal, and shake to coat evenly.

5. Pour out onto prepared baking sheet and spread evenly. Store in airtight container. Enjoy!