Gifts from the Kitchen: Reindeer Chow

Crunchin and munchin – a pepperminty snack to give away

If you are looking for ideas for homemade gifts — look no further. Reindeer Chow is a delightful, crunchy snack mix that makes a perfect gift, made by you! Reindeer Chow is simple and quick to make — include the kids for a fun afternoon! This recipe will make about five 500 ml jars, loosely filled. I have included a downloadable sheet of labels for you to use — or customize your own.

This recipe makes 5 - 500 ml jars of Reindeer Chow

To save even more money, recycle jars you already have, and buy your ingredients in the bulk section of your local grocery store. 

To make your circle cuts cleaner than mine, use a 2" round paper punch

Reindeer Chow 

Ingredients
6 cups Rice Chex cereal, or Chocolate Chex (hard to find, but worth it)
1/3 cup crushed peppermint-flavoured candy canes (I used 14 miniature candy canes)
12 oz. white candy melts (about 2 cups)
Parchment paper or waxed paper

Method

1. Line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper. Pour cereal on sheet and spread out into a single layer. 
2. In a microwave safe bowl, melt candy melts for 1-2 minutes on high until completely melted and smooth. 
3. Stir in half the crushed candy canes. Pour over cereal, and stir to coat completely. 
4. Immediately sprinkle the rest of the crushed candy canes over cereal. 
5. Let set about 20 minutes. Carefully break apart Reindeer Chow and store in decorative jars. Gifts achieved! 

How to crush Candy Canes

1. Unwrap candy canes, and place in a large ziplock baggie. 
2. Take out all your emotional frustration upon the candy canes by hammering them with a meat tenderizer, mallet (careful now!) or other heavy, unbreakable object. The smaller the pieces, the better! 

Feel free to use my label design, or make your own! These are for the 500 ml Ball jar.

Lid

Face