Classic Muddy Buddies

School started after Labor Day this year. I felt like we were the last ones to finally go back to school, but it was nice having an extra long summer. Our school district opened a brand new middle school this fall. That's why we had a later start to the school year. It's still not completely finished. The gym and the auditorium should be done in the next month or so.

My oldest daughter is in 6th grade this year and gets to be one of the first to go to the new school. The first week was a bit rough and has been quite an adjustment for her. She now rides the earlier bus with her older brother. The bus comes right at 7am and she is not a morning person! She's also getting used to having a locker and using a lock. Plus, there's learning how to stay organized with all of the different classes she has this year. My little girl is growing up! I know she can handle it and it will get easier for her.

We are all happy to have the first week of school behind us! We're getting back into our school schedules, which includes making lunches each morning. So, I need quick ideas for lunch boxes!      Muddy Buddies are an easy treat to make and throw in lunch boxes. They're also great to have on hand after school for a snack.

Recipe Link
Ingredients
1 (12 oz.) box Rice Chex (about 9 cups)
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1/4 cup butter
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, divided
Directions
1. Pour cereal in large bowl; set aside.
2. In microwavable bowl, microwave chocolate chips, peanut butter and butter uncovered on high for 1 minute; stir. Microwave about 20 sec. longer or until mixture stirs smoothly. Stir in vanilla. Pour over cereal in large bowl. Stir until evenly coated.
3. Pour 3/4 cup powdered sugar into a gallon sized resealable ziploc bag. Add half of the cereal mixture. Seal bag and shake until completely coated. Empty and spread cereal mixture out on wax paper to cool.
4. Add another 3/4 cup powdered sugar to empty bag. Add the rest of the cereal mixture. Seal bag and shake again until completely coated. Spread out on wax paper also to cool.
5. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

 Notes: This recipe fills up about 14 snack size ziploc bags.

Adapted from box of Rice Chex

The Results...
Quick, easy, no-bake, fun and delicious! This has been a family favorite for years. There's nothing else like homemade Muddy Buddies. My kids love these treats as much as I did growing up.

This recipe makes about enough for a whole week of lunches for my three kids that go to school. I portioned this recipe out into snack size ziploc bags and stored them in the fridge. Then, in the morning just grab the bags and throw them into lunch boxes. So simple and yummy!