Muddy Buddies

  This week, I'm heading over to Jonesborough for a special event at the National Storytelling Festival, the Ghost Stories concert.  Jonesborough has the distinction of being Tennessee's oldest town, formed even before statehood.  It's a lovely small town with many historic sites, and of course, storytelling.  The weekend of the festival, this little place bursts at its seams, literally.  Quaint and unique shops have lines out the door, and the ice cream parlor is packed tighter than a scoop in a cone.  A few co-workers and I have a tradition of trekking over for the ghost stories.  Outside, around the gazebo where the tellers take the stage, we huddle under our blankets and share snacks.  Last year, I brought the ubiquitious Muddy Buddies, or probably better known in some parts as Puppy Chow - a sweet Chex® Mix with peanut butter and chocolate.

Muddy Buddies

Serves 18

Ingredients

9 cups of Rice, Corn, or Chocolate Chex® - any combination of the three
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/4 cup butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups confectioners sugar

  First off, pour the cereal into a large bowl; set aside.

  In a small microwave safe mixing bowl, combine the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter.  Microwave on high for 1 minute, and stir.  Microwave for an additional 30-40 seconds or until mixture can be stirred smooth.  Stir in the vanilla.  Pour the chocolate mixture over the cereal and stir until everything is evenly coated.

  Pour the chocolate coated cereal into a large (2 gallon) resealable plastic bag.  Pour in confectioner's sugar.  Seal and shake until the cereal is well coated.

  Spread it all out onto waxed paper to cool.  Then store the mix in the refrigerator in an airtight container.

Notes: If you'd like to find out more about where I'm heading, check out these links:

http://www.storytellingcenter.net/festival/
http://www.storytellingcenter.net/festival/special-events/ghost-stories/