An Ode to Muddy Buddies

Kristen and I go through Muddy Buddy cycles. We will make 2 or 3 batches in a week, then force ourselves to stop for fear that our pants will no longer fit. So then we go about 6 months or so before some little trigger sets the addiction off again. This time, Kristen had cut out some coupons, one of which was to get a dollar off on any two flavors of Chex cereal. So there we were in the grocery store trying to decide which two kinds of Chex to get. One thing lead to another, and soon enough, there is a batch of Muddy Buddies cooling on a sheet of waxed paper in the kitchen.

Who ever thought such a simple combination of ingredients could produce something so addicting? Rice Chex, chocolate chips, peanut butter, powdered sugar. Remember the Joker's Smilex Gas in Batman? It only proved lethal when a few specific chemicals were mixed. So too it is with the addictive qualities of Muddy Buddies. And to carry the analogy one step further, the effect of the Joker's gas was a perma-smile for the victim, not unlike the smile you will have as you are enjoying your Muddy Buddies.

The smile only goes away when you realize you have consumed an entire batch in a few short hours, and you are fishing around in the remaining powdered sugar for crumbs.

If there is anyone out there who has never experienced the wonders of Muddy Buddies, here is the recipe. Don't say I never did anything for you.

• 9 cups Rice Chex cereal
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 1/4 cup butter or margarine
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cup powdered sugar

Measure cereal into large bowl; set aside. In 1-quart microwavable bowl, stir together chocolate chips, peanut butter and butter. Microwave uncovered on high 1 minute; stir. Microwave about 30 seconds longer or until mixture is smooth. Stir in vanilla. Pour mixture over cereal, stirring until evenly coated. Pour into 2-gallon resealable food-storage plastic bag. Add powdered sugar. Seal bag; shake until well coated. Spread on waxed paper to cool. Store in an airtight container (not like you really need to worry about it being around long enough to go stale).