Happy Valentine's Day!

Song: "Valentine," by Kina Grannis
Recipe: Betty Crocker's Valentine Chex Mix (1/2 Recipe)

Hey guys! So today is Valentine's Day, and I'll admit that I had trouble finding a song that was about this holiday. I was able to find one by a talented musician named Kina Grannis. I like this song because the lyrics are sweet, the tune is nice, and the animation that's featured in the music video is amazing. To see her video click here.

Today, I decided to make what Betty Crocker calls "Valentine Chex Mix." You might know it as "Valentine's Day Puppy Chow" or "Valentine's Day Muddy Buddies." I'm glad that Betty Crocker posted a smaller version of this recipe, because I hate having a lot of food leftover. Usually, I like to bake something for a party, but I thought that I would try something different for a change. The first time I was introduced to muddy buddies was at a hobbit-themed college party that my friends were having, and it was so good that I had to make it. Mine came out differently than theirs did, but it was still yummy. I also thought that this recipe would be appropriate for today, because I'm happy to say that I'm going to a friend's Valentine's Day party later on. This chex mix looks like it would be the perfect thing to share with a bunch of people!

The recipe can be found on Betty Crocker's website. Unfortunately, I wasn't sure what to make for the party until two days ago. That meant that all of the Valentine's Day M&Ms were sold out. I also forgot to get pink and red sprinkles or "jimmies" as Betty Crocker calls them. I ended up altering the recipe a little bit. I was short on sprinkles, so I used less than two tablespoons. I also used white chocolate chips because I didn't have vanilla baking chips. The recipe still came out good, though! I mean, come on. What really makes up this recipe is the chocolate and the peanut butter in my opinion. My brother even noted that the whole downstairs smelled like peanut butter!


"Valentine Chex Mix"


What You'll Need:

• 4 1/2 cups Rice Chex® cereal
• 1/2 cup white vanilla baking chips
• 1/4 cup peanut butter
• 2 tablespoons butter or margarine
• 1/3 cup powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup red, white and pink candy-coated chocolate candies
• 2 tablespoons red or pink "jimmies" or sprinkles

Instructions:

1. Place cereal in medium bowl. In small microwavable bowl, microwave vanilla chips, peanut butter and butter uncovered on High 1 minute to 1 minute 30 seconds, stirring every 30 seconds, until melted and smooth. Pour peanut butter mixture over cereal, stirring until evenly coated.

They look like frosted chex...

2. Place 1/2 of the cereal mixture in 1-gallon food-storage plastic bag. Add powdered sugar. Seal bag; shake until well coated. Spread on waxed paper or foil; cool about 15 minutes.








3. Meanwhile, stir candies and sprinkles into remaining cereal mixture. Spread on waxed paper or foil; cool about 15 minutes.

4. In serving bowl, mix both cereal mixtures. Store in airtight container.

   

I chose Grannis's song to go with the recipe, because it obviously fits the Valentine's Day theme. My version of the recipe may not look like it's Valentine's Day related, but it still tastes delicious and looks colorful! Feel free to try this party mix, whether you're making it for your loved one, family, or friends. There's also nothing wrong with making it just for you-it's very important to love yourself! Happy Valentine's Day! Let's not forget Saint Valentine, the person that this holiday is honored for!

*All rights to the song "Valentine" go to Kina Grannis
*All rights to the "Valentine Chex Mix" go to Betty Crocker