Name: Christmas Chow Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: International
Ingredients: 8 cups Rice Chex; ½ cup milk chocolate chips; ½ cup peanut butter; ½ cup butter; 1 tsp vanilla; 2½ cups powdered sugar; 1 cup Holiday M&Ms

Embrace the holiday spirit with this delightful Christmas Chow. This recipe brings together the classic goodness of Rice Chex mixed with the richness of chocolate, peanut butter, and a hint of vanilla. Accented with colorful holiday M&Ms, this dish provides a festive, scrumptious treat that's perfect for your Christmas celebration.

Photos of Christmas Chow Recipe

Most of the ingredients required for this recipe are common pantry staples. However, you may need to pick up holiday M&Ms from the supermarket if they are not already available at your home. These M&Ms not only add a sweet touch but also provide a festive appearance, making this dish perfect for the holiday season.

Christmas Chow Recipe Ingredients

Rice Chex: A type of breakfast cereal, which provides a crispy texture and mild flavor to the recipe.

Milk chocolate chips: These add a sweet and creamy flavor to the chow.

Peanut butter: Gives a nutty taste and creamy texture.

Butter: It's used to smooth out the mixture and adds a rich flavor.

Vanilla: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.

Powdered sugar: Gives the chow a sweet, velvety coating.

Holiday M&Ms: Adds a colorful and festive touch to the recipe.

One reader, Cointon Sanderson says:

This Christmas chow recipe is a game-changer! The combination of chocolate, peanut butter, and holiday M&Ms is simply irresistible. It's easy to make and perfect for holiday gatherings. I highly recommend trying it out for a festive and delicious treat!

Cointon Sanderson

Techniques Required for Perfect Christmas Chow

How to melt the ingredients: In a small pot, melt the butter, peanut butter, vanilla, milk chocolate chips, and butterscotch chips on low heat until smooth and well combined, stirring constantly.

How to coat the cereal: After mixing the melted mixture with the rice chex, pour the mixture into a large ziploc bag containing 2 cups of powdered sugar. Shake the bag until all the cereal is evenly coated with the powdered sugar.

How to store the Christmas Chow: Store the Christmas Chow in airtight containers to maintain its freshness and crunchiness.

How To Make Christmas Chow

Enjoy a sweet snack in this Christmas chow recipe that makes a milk chocolate and peanut butter coated rice Chex that’s dusted with powdered sugar.

Preparation: 5 minutes

Cooking: 5 minutes

Total: 10 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

8cupsrice chex
½cupmilk chocolate chips
½cuppeanut butter
½cupbutter
1tspvanilla
2cupspowdered sugar
1cupHoliday M&Ms

Instructions

Place Rice Chex in a bowl and set aside.
Also, place powdered sugar in a large ziplock bag.
In a small pot, melt butter, peanut butter, vanilla, chocolate chips, and butterscotch chips on low heat until smooth and well combined, stirring the entire time.
Pour melted mixture over Rice Chex and mix well until all the cereal is evenly coated.
Pour this mixture into the bag of powdered sugar and shake until all the cereal is coated.
Spread over waxed paper to cool.
When ready to serve, mix with Holiday M&Ms. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 615.81kcal
Fat: 28.93g
Saturated Fat: 14.46g
Trans Fat: 0.55g
Monounsaturated Fat: 8.59g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.77g
Carbohydrates: 84.50g
Fiber: 3.10g
Sugar: 58.61g
Protein: 7.36g
Cholesterol: 36.24mg
Sodium: 272.79mg
Calcium: 155.10mg
Potassium: 206.90mg
Iron: 9.75mg
Vitamin A: 261.72µg
Vitamin C: 6.21mg

Crucial Technique for Achieving the Ideal Texture

To ensure that the rice chex is evenly coated with the melted mixture, it's best to pour the mixture in gradually, stirring as you go. This method will help to distribute the mixture more evenly, preventing clumps and ensuring that every piece of cereal gets a good coating. Additionally, when shaking the cereal in the bag of powdered sugar, make sure to seal the bag tightly and shake it from different angles. This will help to cover all the cereal pieces with sugar.

Time-Saving Tips for Making Christmas Chow

Prep ahead: Prepare the dry ingredients the night before, such as measuring out the cereal and powdered sugar, to save time when making the recipe.

Use a microwave: Instead of melting the chocolate and peanut butter on the stovetop, use a microwave for quicker and easier melting.

Double batch: Consider making a double batch of the Christmas chow to have extra on hand for holiday gatherings or as a thoughtful homemade gift.

Delegate: Enlist the help of family or friends to speed up the process of coating the cereal with powdered sugar.

Organize ingredients: Lay out all the ingredients and tools needed before starting to ensure a smooth and efficient cooking process.

Substitute Ingredients For Christmas Chow Recipe

rice chex - Substitute with corn or wheat chex: Corn or wheat chex can be used as a substitute for rice chex in this recipe, providing a similar crunchy texture and flavor.
milk chocolate chips - Substitute with dark chocolate chips: Dark chocolate chips can be used as a substitute for milk chocolate chips, offering a richer and slightly less sweet flavor to the recipe.
peanut butter - Substitute with almond butter: Almond butter can be used as a substitute for peanut butter, providing a similar creamy texture and nutty flavor.
butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can be used as a substitute for butter, adding a hint of coconut flavor and a slightly different texture to the recipe.
powdered sugar - Substitute with granulated sugar: Granulated sugar can be used as a substitute for powdered sugar, although it will not dissolve as easily, so it may alter the texture slightly.
holiday M&Ms - Substitute with chocolate-covered raisins: Chocolate-covered raisins can be used as a substitute for holiday M&Ms, providing a similar sweet and chocolatey addition to the recipe.

Creative Ways to Serve Christmas Chow

Elevate the plating: When presenting the Christmas Chow, ensure that the plating is elegant and visually appealing. Use a clean, white plate to allow the colors of the dish to pop, creating a festive and inviting presentation.
Incorporate festive garnishes: Add a touch of holiday spirit by incorporating festive garnishes such as edible gold leaf, sugared cranberries, or a dusting of powdered sugar. These elements will enhance the visual appeal and bring a touch of sophistication to the dish.
Create height and dimension: Utilize varying heights and textures to create an eye-catching presentation. Consider serving the Christmas Chow in a glass trifle dish, layering the chow with alternating colors and textures to create a visually stunning and enticing display.
Utilize seasonal serving ware: Enhance the presentation by serving the Christmas Chow in seasonal serving ware such as festive platters or holiday-themed bowls. This adds an extra element of charm and ties the dish into the holiday theme.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Consider garnishing the dish with fresh mint leaves or rosemary sprigs to add a pop of color and a hint of freshness, elevating the overall presentation and providing a delightful aroma.
Incorporate edible flowers: For an elegant touch, consider incorporating edible flowers such as pansies or orchids to add a delicate and sophisticated element to the presentation of the Christmas Chow.
Use decorative serving utensils: Choose decorative serving utensils, such as ornate dessert spoons or holiday-themed tongs, to add a touch of elegance and refinement to the presentation of the dish.
Add a touch of sparkle: Consider dusting the Christmas Chow with edible glitter or gold dust to add a touch of sparkle and glamour, creating a visually stunning and festive presentation.

Essential Kitchen Gadgets for Making Christmas Chow

Food processor: A food processor is a versatile kitchen appliance that can be used for chopping, slicing, shredding, and pureeing ingredients. It's great for making pie crusts, pesto, and even mixing dough.
Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is an essential tool for combining ingredients, whether it's for mixing batters, tossing salads, or marinating meats. It comes in various sizes and materials, such as stainless steel, glass, or ceramic.

Storing and Freezing Christmas Chow for Later

Store the cooled christmas chow in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
For longer storage, place the christmas chow in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag and freeze for up to 2 months.
When ready to serve, thaw the frozen christmas chow at room temperature for about 30 minutes before enjoying.
If the christmas chow loses its crispness after freezing and thawing, you can refresh it by placing it in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until crisp again.
To maintain the best texture and flavor, store the m&ms separately and mix them with the christmas chow just before serving.

Interesting Trivia About Christmas Chow

The Christmas Chow recipe is a delightful and festive treat that can be enjoyed during the holiday season. It is a perfect snack to share with family and friends during Christmas gatherings. This recipe is versatile and can be customized with different types of M&Ms to suit your preferences, such as using holiday mint M&Ms or white chocolate peppermint M&Ms. The combination of the sweet and crunchy cereal with the rich chocolate and peanut butter coating makes it a popular choice for holiday parties. It's a simple and delicious snack that can be stored in airtight containers, making it a convenient option for holiday entertaining.

Is Making Christmas Chow at Home Cost-Effective?

The Christmas Chow recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients, such as rice chex, chocolate chips, peanut butter, and powdered sugar, are generally affordable and readily available. The addition of holiday M&Ms may slightly increase the cost, but it adds a festive touch. Overall, this recipe offers a delightful treat at a reasonable price. I would rate this recipe an 8 for its affordability and delicious outcome. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $10-$15, making it a budget-friendly option for a holiday snack.

Is Christmas Chow a Healthy Treat?

The Christmas Chow recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. The main ingredients, such as rice chex, chocolate chips, peanut butter, butter, and powdered sugar, are all high in calories, fat, and sugar. The addition of M&Ms only adds to the sugar content. Consuming this treat in excess can lead to weight gain and other health issues associated with a high-calorie, high-fat diet.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Replace the rice chex with a whole-grain cereal option to increase fiber content
Use dark chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate to reduce sugar and increase antioxidants
Opt for natural, unsweetened peanut butter to minimize added sugars and oils
Reduce the amount of butter used or replace it with a healthier alternative like coconut oil
Decrease the amount of powdered sugar used for coating the cereal
Include a portion of chopped nuts, such as almonds or walnuts, to add healthy fats and protein
Limit the number of M&Ms used or replace them with dried fruit for a natural sweetness and added nutrients

By making these adjustments, you can create a more balanced treat that still satisfies your sweet tooth while providing some nutritional benefits. Remember, moderation is key when enjoying any indulgent snack.

Editor's Opinion on This Festive Snack Mix

This Christmas chow recipe is a delightful and festive treat that's perfect for the holiday season. The combination of milk chocolate, peanut butter, and powdered sugar creates a rich and indulgent coating for the crispy rice chex. The addition of holiday M&Ms adds a pop of color and a touch of sweetness. The recipe is simple to make and yields a delicious snack that is sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering. It's a wonderful balance of flavors and textures, making it a must-try for anyone looking to spread some holiday cheer through delicious treats.

Enhance Your Christmas Chow Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Mashed Potatoes: Whipped garlic parmesan mashed potatoes

Roasted Vegetables: Honey balsamic roasted vegetables

Grilled Chicken: Citrus marinated grilled chicken skewers

Fruit Salad: Tropical fruit salad with coconut lime dressing

Similar Snack Mixes to Try This Holiday Season

Savory Beef Stew: This hearty beef stew is perfect for a cozy night in. Packed with tender beef, potatoes, and carrots, it's a comforting and satisfying meal.

Fresh Fruit Salad: This refreshing fruit salad is a colorful and healthy addition to any meal. With a mix of seasonal fruits and a light citrus dressing, it's a delightful side dish or dessert.

Creamy Chicken Alfredo: Indulge in this rich and creamy chicken alfredo pasta dish. With tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a luscious parmesan cream sauce, it's a decadent treat for pasta lovers.

Roasted Vegetable Medley: Enjoy a medley of roasted vegetables, including carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini. Seasoned with herbs and olive oil, this dish is a flavorful and nutritious addition to any meal.

Appetizers and Entrées to Serve Alongside Christmas Chow

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Create a savory and indulgent appetizer by stuffing mushrooms with a flavorful mixture of cream cheese, garlic, and herbs. Bake until golden and serve hot for a delicious start to any meal.

Bruschetta: Elevate your appetizer game with a classic bruschetta featuring ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and tangy balsamic glaze. Serve on crispy, toasted baguette slices for a burst of Italian flavors.

Main Courses:

Chicken Alfredo: Create a creamy and indulgent pasta dish that combines tender chicken with a rich and flavorful alfredo sauce. The dish is then served over a bed of perfectly cooked fettuccine noodles, creating a satisfying and comforting meal.

Beef Stroganoff: Craft a hearty and savory dish featuring tender strips of beef cooked in a creamy and tangy sauce. The beef is then served over a bed of fluffy egg noodles, providing a delicious and filling main course option.

Why trust this Christmas Chow Recipe:

This recipe is a delightful holiday treat that will surely impress your guests. The combination of milk chocolate and peanut butter creates a rich and indulgent flavor, while the addition of holiday M&Ms adds a festive touch. The use of powdered sugar ensures a sweet and satisfying crunch with every bite. The simple preparation method makes it easy for anyone to recreate this delicious snack. Trust the magic of this recipe to bring joy and delight to your holiday gatherings.

Share your thoughts on the Christmas Chow Recipe in the Recipe Sharing forum and let us know if you have any tips or variations to make this holiday dish even more delicious!

FAQ:

Can I use a different type of cereal for this recipe?

Yes, you can definitely use a different type of cereal if you prefer. Crispix, Cheerios, or even a combination of different cereals can work well with this recipe.

Can I substitute the peanut butter with another nut butter?

Absolutely! You can substitute the peanut butter with almond butter, cashew butter, or any other nut butter of your choice. Just make sure it's the same consistency as peanut butter.

Can I use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate for this recipe?

Of course! You can use dark chocolate if you prefer a richer, less sweet flavor. It will give the Christmas chow a deliciously decadent twist.

How long will the Christmas chow stay fresh?

When stored in an airtight container, the Christmas chow will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks. Just make sure it's kept in a cool, dry place.

Can I omit the powdered sugar or use a sugar substitute?

You can omit the powdered sugar, but it will change the texture and sweetness of the Christmas chow. If you prefer to use a sugar substitute, make sure it's suitable for no-bake recipes and adjust the quantity to taste.