Spicy Choco-Frito Chow
My sister/roommate, known here as the Sistaster, has a deadly snack-weapon she likes to use to lure me into ruining my dinner. It goes by the delightful-in-a-kindergarden-way name of Puppy Chow… because it looks a little like puppy food, I guess. It’s also known as “Muddy Buddies” (the chocolate looks like mud?) or “White Trash” (because it’s inexpensive? because you can use a trash bag to mix it? because of the white powder?)
Basically, it’s Chex Cereal coated with melted peanut butter and chocolate and covered, to prevent stickiness, with powdered sugar. Like I said, deadly.
Inspired by a post from fellow NYC blogger Lisa of Homesick Texan, I thought I could class-up the classic Puppy Chow with ancho chili, almond butter, and the piece de resistance - Fritos (!) As Lisa eyeopeningly pointed out: “when you eat Fritos, you can pretend they’re good for you, as the ingredients are just corn, oil and salt—nothing artificial about these babies, they’re practically a whole food.” I love this train of thought, but once you’ve got them coated in chocolate and spicy powdered sugar you won’t be able to fool yourself any more.
This sweet, salty and spicy combination is addicting for some (myself included) but others think it’s downright weird. If you like a snack with a little bit of an edge, please try it out and let me know what you think.
Time: 15 minutes
Serves: 1 - 20
Spicy Choco-Frito Chow
(2) 10oz bags of original Fritos
1 cup bittersweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup almond butter
1.5 cup confectioners’ sugar
2 tsp cinnamon
4 tsp ancho chili powder
Melt the chocolate chips and almond butter together in a small saucepan over low heat. In a large bowl or 2 gallon ziplock bag pour the melted chocolate over the Fritos and toss to coat evenly.
Mix the confectioners’ sugar, cinnamon, and ancho chili together in a separate bowl. Coat the chocolately Fritos in the sugar mix. Let dry, and serve in a really big bowl.
June 19th, 2007 22:38
Okay, if I hadn’t just got done with my shower, I’d go to the store and buy some Fritos *right now*.
June 20th, 2007 06:33
That sounds yummy! I think I’ll make some up for our next party.
June 20th, 2007 13:31
This was really bizarrely yummy and addictive! Thanks for bringing some to Von.
June 21st, 2007 11:39
This was awesome! I was just about to email you to ask for your recipe! I totally have to make some this weekend!
June 21st, 2007 12:00
This is next!
http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/short/356/25/2582
June 21st, 2007 12:01
OMG, I have no idea where that came from! I wanted to link this!!!!!
http://www.fabulousfoods.com/recipes/dessert/cakes/kittylittercake.html
June 21st, 2007 16:44
ha3rvey- mmm, moist Fritos :0
Melinda- My sis has once again been requested to make the regular (non-spicy non-Frito) version. It’s so easy to make and so popular. Hope you try it!
Michelle- You’re welcome! So nice to meet you. I’ll stay in touch…
V Frolic- Hey Y! So nice to meet you too. Thanks for introducing me to the cool choco-eggs on your blog. why, why why aren’t they available here?
Queenie- That’s. Just. Wrong. I like cats, I just don’t want to see that.
July 12th, 2007 22:25
Spicy choco spicy chow