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Oscar Worthy Sweet Treats: Healthy Muddy Buddies

Oscar Worthy Sweet Treats: Healthy Muddy Buddies

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Oscar Worthy Sweet Treats: Healthy Muddy Buddies

So Sunday is the Oscars and I’m always up for a party.

Especially if there’s food involved.

Actually, if its a party and there’s no food involved, my message will be:

“I’ll be there around 10ish..”

“Heavy on the ‘ish'”

“Ya, I’m not coming”…

So, without food, I’m a self-described homebody. Yes I can easily be the life of the party but, because my life is so “loud”, I am also exceptionally happy to be at home…in my pj’s watching a show (also, because I spent so many years running from hockey arena to soccer field and everything else in between, this “quiet life” is just so civil!).

Having said all of that, I am totally looking forward to Sunday and the Oscars! My biggest hurdle is my husband – who hates awards shows. That means, I might be able to coerce him into watching some of it, but not all of it! This year, I am going to try and even see some of the red carpet (he has no patience for that!!).

I know what you’re thinking…just how do I coerce him? Well, with food of course!

Here is a bit of background into my other half.  He is very aware that as you age, you can’t eat with reckless abandon, so he does like when I “healthify” food. He also, has been the same (athletic/trim/fit) size his whole life…I kinda hate him for that! So, for this year’s Oscars, I didn’t make brownies or chocolate chip cookies…I made healthy Muddy Buddies (which, I learned is predominantly, an American thing!).

We will get to the recipe in a bit…

But, before we get to that, I scoured the internet for some yummy treats! And, because these sweet treats below are a bit healthy, I thought I’d give you some healthier savory options from some Canadian sources!

These creamy egg and smoked salmon pouches below are from the Egg Farmers of Ontario. Imagine small bundles of yumminess with scrambled eggs, cheesy goodness and smoked salmon! Super yummy!

Oscar Worthy Sweet Treats: Healthy Muddy Buddies Just Crumbs Blog by Suzie Durigon

If you want something easy to prep (that is even lunchbox friendly), try these tangy Thai beef pinwheels from the Canadian Beef Farmers.

Oscar Worthy Sweet Treats: Healthy Muddy Buddies Just Crumbs Blog by Suzie Durigon

These cream cheese and prosciutto cocktail bites are courtesy of the Ontario Dairy Farmers and are a really cute way of serving an appetizer!

Oscar Worthy Sweet Treats: Healthy Muddy Buddies Just Crumbs Blog by Suzie Durigon

And, lastly, these cute mini loaded potatoes come from the PEI Potato farmers. I love this idea because the combinations are endless!!!

Oscar Worthy Sweet Treats: Healthy Muddy Buddies Just Crumbs Blog by Suzie Durigon

Now, for a few app ideas from the blog here…

These BLT bites are a bit of work (nothing major…you just have to make up a scone mixture which is super easy) but they are always a hit when I make them for brunch!! And, you can even freeze the mini scones that you have leftover and bake them later!! The roasted cherry tomatoes put these over the top!!

BLT bites

Since we’re talking healthy, maybe some of you have dabbled in vegatarianism for a bit (did you know that Veganuary – going vegan through the month of January – is a thing??). If you have friends who are trying to eat less meat, these meatless ricotta balls are a great idea to serve on Sunday!!

How to make crispy meatfree meatballs

If you guys have gone to your favourite sushi hangout, you most definitely have had edamame (fresh soy beans).  They are usually served with a simple dusting of salt but I’ve kicked them up a notch my charring them in a cast iron skillet before serving.  Try these charred edamame and you will think twice before opening a bag of chips on Sunday!!

the best edamame

I know in Canada, there aren’t many PF Chang’s around (I think a lot of them sadly closed) but fear not! I’ve recreated PF Chang’s lettuce cups and put all the info on the blog!!

PF Chang's lettuce cups

And finally, even if you had no clue what Veganuary was, you might want to check out my vegan queso on the blog! It’s so creamy that you won’t believe there is no dairy in it!!

vegan queso

Now, enough about the savory dishes…let’s talk sweet treats!!  This puppy chow (another term for Muddy Buddies) is usually Chex cereal coated in chocolate chips, with peanut butter and dusted with icing sugar.  Well, I made it a bit better but starting with Quaker whole wheat squares (a healthier version of Chex but if you can’t find it, go ahead and use any small, square cereal). I melted dark chocolate and natural peanut butter (plus a bit of coconut oil for good measure) to coat the cereal in and then I also added hemp hearts and pecan halves to the cereal mix.

Oscar Worthy Sweet Treats: Healthy Muddy Buddies

Finally, I mixed chocolate protein powder with a bit of icing sugar to reduce the processed sweetness (the protein powder I used is sweetened with stevia so if that bothers you, try pea protein that is usually just protein with no sweetness added).

Oscar Worthy Sweet Treats: Healthy Muddy Buddies

I gave some of this snack to some gal pals of mine and it was a hit!

Oscar Worthy Sweet Treats: Healthy Muddy Buddies

Try it out yourself.  Even if you’re not into awards shows like my hubby, I think this makes a great add-in to any lunchbox!

Also, if I worked in an office, I’d keep a stash of this in my drawer for hard days like, oh I don’t know, maybe when you have your performance review?

#bribethemwithbuddies

Oscar Worthy Sweet Treats: Healthy Muddy Buddies

Oscar Worthy Sweet Treats: Healthy Muddy Buddies

Healthy Chocolate Muddy Buddies

This sweet snack will be perfect while you're watching the Oscars (or any show for that matter). Make a double batch so you'll have some to take to school and work!!
5 from 1 vote

Ingredients
  

  • 6 cups Rice or Corn Chex *use any low sugar square cereal
  • 1/2 cup hemp hearts
  • 1 cup pecan halves
  • 3/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup chocolate protein powder
  • 1/3 cup natural peanut butter
  • 2/3 cup chopped dark chocolate
  • 1 tbsp coconut oil

Instructions
 

  • Measure cereal, hemp and nuts and mix together in a large bowl, set aside.
  • Pour powered sugar and protein powder into a large resealable zip-lock bag.
  • In a large saucepan over low-medium heat add peanut butter, chocolate chips and coconut oil. Stir continuously until chocolate chips have melted and the mixture is smooth.
  • Pour cereal mixture into pot with melted chocolate mixture and toss until evenly coated.
  • Carefully pour coated cereal mixture into the bag with the powdered sugar and protein powder. Seal bag; shake until well coated. Spread on parchment paper to cool completely. Make sure you let it cool for a while before putting it in a container, otherwise your mix will get soggy.
  • Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Keeping it in the fridge will keep it fresh and crunchy!