Monday, August 24, 2009

Safe Muddy Buddies Recipe

Sometimes, parties just call for something sweet and chocolaty. This weekend, one of my son’s friends had a birthday party, and since she invited my son and another friend who both have food allergies, her wonderful mom made safe treats for the party. Rice Krispie Treats (made with milk-free margarine), hot dogs (with safe ingredients), and Muddy Buddies were all on the menu.

Remember Muddy Buddies? Those chocolaty, peanut-buttery, sugary bite-sized snacks made from Chex cereals? How could those possibly be milk-free, egg-free, and nut-free? Turns out it’s pretty easy – if you substitute safe ingredients. Use Sunbutter or a similar sunflower spread instead of peanut butter, safe chocolate chips (Kroger’s Value brand at Smith’s are milk-free and nut-free), and safe margarine (like Nucoa), and you’re in business. Many thanks to Kim for adapting this recipe to make it safe, and more thanks to Lena for serving it to the kids (and us grownups) at yesterday’s party! (And thanks to Betty Crocker® for the original recipe!)

Milk-free, Egg-free, and Peanut-free Chex® Muddy Buddies®
9 c. Rice Chex (or other safe bite-size cereals)
1 c. safe semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 c. Sunbutter sunflower spread
1/4 c. safe margarine (such as Nucoa)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 c. powdered sugar

1. Measure cereal into a large bowl; set aside.
2. In a 1-quart microwaveable bowl, microwave chocolate chips, Sunbutter, and margarine uncovered on High for 1 minute. Stir, then microwave about 30 seconds longer or until mixture can be stirred smooth. Stir in vanilla. Pour mixture over cereal, stirring until evenly coated. Pour into 2-gallon resealable food-storage plastic bag.
3. Add powdered sugar. Seal bag and shake until cereal is well-coated. Spread on waxed paper to cool. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

11 comments:

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Lynn said...

Thank you -- these sound delicious, and I think I have all of the ingredients in the house right now! I'm going to try them soon.

Kelley J. P. Lindberg said...

I have to warn you... They're addictive! Enjoy!

Alisa - Frugal Foodie said...

aw, yum! This recipe brings back memories. Nice to have a "safe" version that is equally delicious!

juliea said...

This is my son's favorite treat! We make it every Thanksgiving and Christmas. It can be wheat free too. Use the General Mills brand Rice Chex and wheat free vanilla or omit the vanilla.

Lynn said...

Just made it and LOVED it. Thank you! We just use regular vanilla extract (our son is wheat allergic).

Kelley J. P. Lindberg said...

I'm so glad to know that it can be wheat-free without much trouble, too. That's wonderful, and it's always such a big hit at parties!

Anonymous said...

I'm just wondering why you use the sunbutter and safe margarine? Is it okay to use one or the other instead of both?

Kelley J. P. Lindberg said...

I haven't tried it without both the safe margarine and the Sunbutter together. I know you have to use Sunbutter for the flavor and texture. But whether or not you can eliminate the margarine, I don't know. I assume the melted margarine thins out the Sunbutter so that it coats the cereal more evenly. If you try eliminating the margarine, let me know! (Cooking is all about experimenting, right?) Good luck!

Lynn said...

I was just peeking back at this recipe to make it while on vacation. I suspect the previous question about margarine and sunbutter is because the asker doesn't know what sunbutter is (and is thinking "butter"). Sunbutter is like peanut butter, only made from sunflower seeds. Among other places, you can usually find it at whole foods. It is great for nut allergic people. My son and I love it.

Jennjenn39 said...

Thank-you for posting a nut free version of this. My son is allergic to nuts and our family really enjoys this snack.