Bananas for Monkey Munch

My kids are always eating. Always. There are the obvious three meals a day but they usually want snacks throughout the day, at bedtime and always ask for dessert. I try to keep them eating a variety of healthy meals, fruits and vegetables and attempt innovative ways to get them to try new things. Ranch and ketchup are always on stand-by! One thing I never have to push is dessert although I do try and come up with healthy(ish) versions of treats they like so I don't overload them with sugar!! One treat I like to make for and with them is Monkey Munch. It's crunchy, savory and sweet...the perfect snack combination like another of our favorites, chocolate covered pretzels! There is something about the sweet and salty combo that keeps us coming back for more. The four of us eat 'em by the bowlful and while it isn't exactly healthy, there are sneaky ways to make it better.
There are different varieties of Monkey Munch and mine has just four ingredients. The simplest treats are always the best. Here is the recipe and a few suggestions to make you feel a little better while eating in copious amounts!
1 12 oz. box rice cereal, such as Chex (or whatever's on sale...you could do whole wheat. I have and nobody seems to mind. It's just a little more crunchy.)
1 cup peanut butter (use all-natural or organic if it makes you feel better. I normally buy Skippy Natural.)
1 16 oz. bag chocolate chips (I use milk chocolate for everything but semi-sweet or dark would be good alternatives...mix things up!)
powdered sugar
Microwave the chocolate on high 1-2  minutes, checking every 20 seconds or so to make sure it doesn't burn. Once melted, stir in peanut butter until creamy then cereal, mixing to coat. (This is easiest with a LARGE bowl or a couple smaller ones. It's a little messy.)
Once combined, I dump about 1 cup powdered sugar over the mix and stir to coat. You could opt to "shake" in a zip-top bag to coat. Add more powdered sugar if desired. Keep refrigerated.
This is a great recipe for a party, your kid's classroom or just because. It also makes a really cute party favor when scooped in cellophane bags and tied with ribbon! I love these simple recipes because you can adjust the ingredients and play with it, change it up and let your kids help. Add nuts, raisins, M&M's...etc. for fun variations. Enjoy!

Gettin' all mixed up!

                                                            The finished product..yum!