Once upon a time, I had two very young kids. Lets see, they were 1 and 3, and I was frantically preparing for the holidays. At this point in life, I was still thinking that I had to “do-it-all” – but I’m older now, by three years to be exact, and while I’m still learning, and things are still changing, I do know this:

Whatever I do not finish, you will never know about!  

The holidays put a lot of pressure on us to do certain things. Sometimes they are traditions that we feel we MUST do, other things are just nice gestures, of which I usually go over board on!
Three years ago, I didn’t have enough time to make ALLLLLL the millions of Holiday cookies that I had planned. So, Santa was coming (literally the next day) and we needed to put SOMETHING out by the fireplace for him and the reindeer to eat. Pantry items that came to mind: chex cereal, chocolate chips, sunbutter = presto! We have “Reindeer Food!” Us Moms can be so creative when we need to be.
Reindeer Food is a tradition in our home now – and it’s nice too – it lasts for WEEKS in tupperware or a zip top bag and the kids love it. Oh, and if you’re wondering, this is the same exact recipe for Puppy Chow! We just add some Chocolate Skippers in to make it festive for the reindeer, of course.
This year, we’re sharing Reindeer Food at my daughter’s school since it’s nut-free and easy to share.
Reindeer Food
Ingredients

•  9 cups chex rice cereal
• 1 cup semi sweet chocolate chips – Enjoy Life Brand, Target, top Shelf in baking aisle
• 1/2 cup Sunbutter
• 1/4 cup butter, unsalted
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1.5 cups of powdered sugar

Directions

1. In large bowl, measure cereal and set aside.
2. In 1-quart double boiler, melt chocolate, sunbutter, and butter until smooth.
3. Stir in vanilla
4. Pour mixture over cereal
5. If using a giant tupperware, combine, put lid on, and SHAKE, SHAKE, SHAKE with the powdered sugar until all is coated.
6. Sprinkle in your favorite nut-free chocolate or candy to make it fun