Reindeer Chow

My kids love "puppy chow" chex mix, so when I was faced with extra rice chex and almond bark last Christmas, it was only natural for me to attempt a candy cane variety. And thus Reindeer Chow was born. Christmas is just about the only time of year I make ANYTHING with almond bark, so it's kind of a luxury for both me a the kids. I like it because I don't have to bake anything and it's fast, the kids like it because it's delicious. Win-win, right? Plus, there are only 4 ingredients for this one, and I can buy them all at Aldi's. Go me!

Reindeer Chow

1 package vanilla almond bark (1.5 lbs)
1 box rice chex cereal
12 candy canes
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

Start by crushing your candy canes. I shouldn't have to mention this, but just in case... PLEASE don't use fruity candy canes. You will regret it. Just get your plain old peppermint candy canes. You can crush them in a food processor unless you are lacking this cool kitchen gadget - like me. If so, never fear. Just stick a dozen in a bag and crush with a meat mallet. If you don't have a meat mallet, find something else heavy and hard. (No, your child's head should NOT be used to crush candy canes.)

Crush them so they are nice and powdery with a few big bits and set them aside.

One nice thing about the almond bark that Aldi sells is that the squares come already separated. There are actually 12 squares in the container, but because I prefer the cereal not too heavily coated, I like to use just 10. It's a personal preference. If you'd like the coating more heavy, just throw it all in. Either way, place it in the biggest bowl you own that will fit in your microwave. 

Melt it, stirring about every 30 seconds or so until smooth. This should take about 2-3 minutes tops.

Add your rice cereal. Mix together with the almond bark, using a rubber spatula to bring the candy coating up from the bottom. You're going to "fold" this rather than "stir" it. I hope you get the difference. If not, just do your best. Getting it coated well will take a few minutes of you folding and folding and folding and folding to make sure the almond bark is evenly coating the cereal. Be patient. It's worth it.

Eventually, it will look something like this.

At this point, start stirring in the crushed candy cane. I usually sprinkle half over the bowl, mix for a minute or so, then add the other half.

Mix it! Mix it good!

Then do the same thing with your powdered sugar. Don't skip the sugar - this is what keeps it all from sticking together when it cools and sets.

This makes a ton, so it's great to bring to parties or give out as gifts. It's so yummy!