Healthier Puppy Chow Delight
Indulge in a guilt-free version of classic Puppy Chow with our Healthier Puppy Chow Delight! This recipe provides all the sweet, chocolatey goodness you crave, while being lower in calories and sugar. By using heart-healthy olive oil or margarine, and substituting traditional powdered sugar with a sugar alternative, we've made it possible to enjoy this beloved treat in a better-for-you way. Packed with high-fiber cereal and protein-rich nonfat dry milk, you can feel good about treating yourself or sharing it with friends. Perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth, this snack offers a delightful crunch without the typical indulgence.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Olive oil or Margarine
1/4 cup (Melted)
Semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 1/2 cups (Melted)
Peanut butter
1/3 cup (Smooth, melted)
Cheerios toasted oat cereal
9 cups (Unaltered)
Nonfat dry milk powder
2 cups (Unaltered)
Cornstarch
2 cups (Unaltered)
Sugar substitute (e.g., Splenda or Stevia)
1 cup (Unaltered)
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, over low heat, melt together the semi-sweet chocolate chips, peanut butter, and olive oil (or margarine). Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and completely melted.
2
In a large mixing bowl, measure out the Cheerios or your chosen high-fiber cereal.
3
Once the chocolate mixture is ready, pour it over the cereal and gently fold until all pieces are evenly coated with chocolate.
4
In a blender, combine the nonfat dry milk powder, cornstarch, and sugar substitute. Blend until you achieve a fine, powdered texture resembling powdered sugar.
5
Transfer the blended mixture into a large paper bag.
6
Add the chocolate-coated cereal to the bag with the 'sugar' alternative. Seal the bag and shake gently until the cereal is evenly coated with the mixture.
7
If some cereal remains uncoated, add more of the powdered mixture as needed and shake again until all pieces are evenly covered.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Healthier Puppy Chow Delight?
It is a guilt-free version of the classic snack that is lower in calories and sugar while providing a delightful chocolatey crunch.
What makes this puppy chow recipe healthier?
This recipe uses heart-healthy olive oil or margarine, a sugar substitute instead of powdered sugar, and high-fiber cereal.
What type of cereal should I use?
The recipe calls for 9 cups of Cheerios or a similar high-fiber toasted oat cereal.
How many ingredients are needed?
There are 7 main ingredients: olive oil, semi-sweet chocolate chips, peanut butter, cereal, nonfat dry milk, cornstarch, and a sugar substitute.
What is the alternative to powdered sugar?
A blended mixture of nonfat dry milk powder, cornstarch, and a sugar substitute replaces the traditional powdered sugar.
How do I melt the chocolate mixture?
Melt the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and olive oil in a saucepan over low heat, stirring continuously until smooth.
Which sugar substitutes can I use?
You can use alternatives like Splenda or Stevia to keep the sugar content low.
Why is nonfat dry milk used in this recipe?
Nonfat dry milk provides a protein boost and helps create the base for the powdered coating.
What is the purpose of cornstarch in the coating?
Cornstarch helps achieve a fine, powdery texture that mimics the mouthfeel of real powdered sugar.
How do I coat the cereal in the powder?
Place the chocolate-covered cereal in a large paper bag with the powder mixture, seal it, and shake gently.
Can I use margarine instead of olive oil?
Yes, the recipe allows for either heart-healthy olive oil or margarine.
Do I need a blender for this recipe?
Yes, a blender is necessary to process the milk powder, cornstarch, and sweetener into a fine powder.
How much peanut butter is required?
The recipe uses 1/3 cup of smooth, melted peanut butter.
Is this recipe high in fiber?
Yes, by using high-fiber cereal like Cheerios, it becomes a more nutritious snack option.
Can I use dark chocolate chips?
The recipe specifies semi-sweet chocolate chips, but you can use dark chocolate if you prefer a deeper flavor.
What should I do if the cereal isn't fully coated?
Add more of the blended powdered mixture to the bag and shake again until every piece is evenly covered.
Is this snack kid-friendly?
Yes, it offers the same sweet and crunchy taste kids love but with less sugar and more fiber.
How much chocolate is in the recipe?
The recipe requires 1 1/2 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips.
What categories does this recipe fall into?
It is categorized as a snack, candy, and a healthy dessert.
Can I substitute the peanut butter?
While the recipe calls for peanut butter, you could likely use almond or cashew butter as a substitute.
How should the cereal be prepared?
The cereal should be used unaltered and dry before being coated with the chocolate mixture.
Does this recipe contain cholesterol?
The use of olive oil and nonfat milk helps keep this recipe lower in cholesterol compared to traditional versions.
What heat setting should I use for melting?
You should always use low heat to prevent the chocolate from burning or seizing.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients if you are preparing snacks for a large group or party.
Why use a paper bag for shaking?
A large paper bag provides enough space for the cereal to move and allows the powder to coat every piece evenly.
How do I ensure the chocolate is smooth?
Stir the chocolate, peanut butter, and oil mixture continuously while it is melting over low heat.
Is this a no-bake recipe?
Yes, this recipe only requires stovetop melting and no oven baking.
What is the texture of the finished product?
It has a delightful crunch with a smooth chocolate layer and a powdery sweet finish.
Can I use a different sugar substitute?
Yes, any sugar alternative that can be blended into a powder will work for this recipe.
Is this recipe suitable for those watching their weight?
Yes, it is designed to be a lower-calorie and lower-sugar alternative to traditional puppy chow.