Puppy Chow

Just made this for our class party tonight. This is a fun, delicious little recipe for the whole family. I apologize to everyone who's not in america, because this recipe is, by default, american. Peanut butter and crispix are, as far as I know, not available in other countries. D: I'm working on trying to figure out a good alternative, but so far, no dice. :P I'll let you know if and when i figure it out.


ETA: I've discovered that Canada has Crispix in the form of "Crispix Krispies" and that New Zealand has peanut butter. So noted, and I apologize for such a blanket statement. I was basing that off my own experiences in Europe where neither thing exists. :P In the comments is a link to the wikipedia page for Crispix so y'all can see wtf it is. :)

Return of the ETA: I've been reminded that using name brand Rice Chex will render this recipe gluten free. :D

Revenge of the ETA: So. I've been thoroughly chastized. Other countries have both crispix and peanut butter. Consider me informed. :P

Ingredients:

1/2 cup Peanut Butter
1/4 cup Butter
1 cup Chocolate Chips
1/2 tsp. Vanilla
9 cups Crispix cereal (any flavor)
1-1/2 cups Powdered Sugar

Equipment:

large bowl
rubber spatula
gallon sized plastic bags

Method:

1. Combine peanut butter, butter and chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl.

2. Microwave for one minute then stir to blend all ingredients thoroughly. Add 1/2 tsp. vanilla. Stir well.

3. Place the 9 cups of Crispix cereal in a very large bowl.

4. Pour the peanut butter-chocolate mixture over the cereal and toss evenly, making sure all the cereal gets a good covering.

5. Coat with powdered sugar, sprinkling evenly over the cereal and tossing as you sprinkle to cover each piece well.

Alternate step: put chocolate coated cereal into plastic bag and pour int he powdered sugar. seal and shake around gently until everything is properly coated. This is usually what I do, but it is occasionally a big ol' pain in the butt. It depends on how much I'm paying attention and if little hands are involved. :D

So! Recipes! God save you all.

See, the biggest problem with posting recipes is that I have a bitch of a time giving them *names*. XD So. That is your task, should you chose to accept it! Gimme names~

This was tonight's meal. it fed TLE, me, and there's leftovers for me to take tomorrow. Obviously easily adjusted for big families or appetites. :)

Ingredients:
1 package Morningstar Farms meal starters: "beef" crumbles
1/2 lb small pasta shells
1 small can tomato paste
1 qt box of veggie broth
1 can creamed corn
Worcestershire sauce
salt

equipment:
sauce pan
skillet
some form of stirring utensil (i used a wooden spatula)

method:
1. dump the drumbles into the skillet, just enough to thaw them out. They're tofu. they don't need browned.
2. add Worcestershire sauce to taste. I have a liberal hand, and I still added more later, so be aware that what looks like lots may not be enough. Also remember that you can always add more; you can't take away.
3. add tomato paste; stir
4. add entire carton of veggie broth; stir to make sure all the paste is melted into the liquid.
5. bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer. The goal is to thicken the mixture by reducing it.
6. when you've reduced it by 1/3, add the can of cream corn and stir. This will add flavor, veggie goodness, and help thicken.
7. get the water for your pasta boiling, add salt. pour in noodles and cook until just shy of your preferred firmness; drain.
8. drop drained noodles into the saucy goodness and give it a toss. The noodles will finish cooking and soak up the last of the soupiness, leaving you with a really nice thick, coverage of sauce.
9. dish it up and om nom nom!

So, lovlies. What do we call this delightful little dish of yumminess?