Lemon Cake Mix Puppy Chow

I think most of us know (and love) traditional Puppy Chow ("Muddy Buddies"). I've made several versions of the original throughout the years. Since we are in the middle of summer (and lots of hot temps) right now, I was pondering trying a more "refreshing" version. The flavor of lemon immediately came to mind.

Using a lemon cake mix makes this recipe so super simple. In just a matter of like, five minutes you can be enjoying this addicting, sweet Lemon Cake Mix Puppy Chow.

Sea Salt Nutella Pistachio Puppy Chow

I often browse other recipe blogs in my (not so) spare time. One such blog - Layers of Happiness - has quickly become a favorite. Their photos are stunning and their recipes all sound amazing.

 

Recently, I was inspired by LOH to make the most-delicious puppy chow I've ever put in my mouth! When I came across their post for this insanely tasty treat, I could not look away. There on my computer screen was the most amazing looking puppy chow I had ever laid eyes upon. It was everything I never knew I wanted in puppy chow and somehow more.

 

Cake Batter Puppy Chow

I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas.  But with just seven days left until Santa visits and not a lot of predicted snowfall on the horizon, I may be looking at a brown and dreary Christmas.  I've been keeping my eyes on the weather forecast and while there is a chance that lower Michigan may get a dusting of snow sometime later this week, it doesn't look very promising for it to stick around.  Waking up to the sight of a winter wonderland outside on Christmas morning here in my area does seem less of a reality and more of a dream at this point.

Although it may not feel very "Christmasy" outdoors, I'm happy to report that the holiday spirit is alive and well inside our house.  It has been nice and toasty indoors thanks to our wood stove.  Christmas carols have been playing all this past week as I clean, cook, bake and blog.  Presents are stacked up under the tree.  The kids and I have goodies piling up on the table to be taken to school for friends and teachers.  A large container of just-decorated sugar cookies tempts me daily now from atop my kitchen counter.  And, Christmas cards - bringing tidings of holiday cheer from friends and family far and near - have been arriving consistently in recent days.  And, much to my children's delight, we are three days away (and counting) until their winter break from school!

I thought I'd tap into my longing for the "white stuff" by throwing together a yummy treat that utilizes a bit of a sweeter white ingredient - powdered sugar!  Most of us have heard of or tasted puppy chow (a.k.a. "muddy buddies").  Traditionally, it is made with peanut butter and milk chocolate.  This version - using dry cake mix and white chocolate - is a little amped up and perfect for the holidays!  I'll tell ya what the taste of this reminds me of ... those PF Vanilla Creme-Filled Pirouette Rolled Wafers (the ones in the metal tin).  Yum!