I first tasted these at a clam bake in the fall and immediately thought they would be perfect for the holidays. At the event they were at a dessert table, and they were far from the prettiest dessert (I mean, look at them) but they were called “Moose Nuts” and I knew they were chocolate and peanut butter, so I had to have them. I took a bite and knew that I needed the recipe!

These take a little patience, but they are absolutely worth it. If you love puppy chow or muddy buddy Chex mix, you need to make these! Note that these are a little tricky. The original recipe I got from the baker of these at the event was a little vague (and silly…I’ll share it below), and I changed up the name, but this version of the recipe has worked the best for me. Warning – these are also addicting!

Puppy Chow Truffles

Here’s what you need

For the balls

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter (I recommend smooth JIF, not a natural or homemade kind)
• 1/3 cup powdered sugar
• 3 cups rice Chex
• 1 cup pretzels

For the coating

• 2 cups chocolate melting wafers
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar

Here’s what you do

1. Add the peanut butter and 1/3 cup powdered sugar to a bowl. Heat in the microwave in 10 second intervals, stirring between each, until melted and smooth.
2. Place the cereal and pretzels in a blender and pulse to chop them into small pieces (not a fine powder). Alternatively, you can crush them by hand with a rolling pin or by hand.
3. Pour the peanut butter mixture over the cereal and pretzels and stir to combine.
4. Melt the chocolate wafers in the microwave on 50% power in 30 second intervals, stirring after each interval until smooth.
5. Roll Chex/pretzel/PB/sugar mixture into balls about 1 1/2 tablespoons each. If they’re not holding well, you may need to refrigerate the mixture for 30 min first. This part can be tricky because the mixture doesn’t always roll into balls or stay firm easily. You’ll need to press and squish it firmly to get it to hold together. I find using a cake pop mold can help – you roll with your hands as best as you can and then smoosh shape into the cake pop mold. Once shaped, freeze the balls for about 30 minutes before dipping in chocolate.
6. Dip each ball into the melted chocolate to coat, then place them in the refrigerator until the chocolate hardens.
7. Once the chocolate is set, roll the truffles in the remaining 1/2 cup powdered sugar. Enjoy immediately!

Questions for you:

• Do you call it puppy chow or muddy buddies?
• Have you ever been to an event and found a recipe you knew you had to try?

And here’s the original recipe I received.  Good luck following it! One thing is true- the balls may piss you off and you may feel like you’re doing it wrong!