I don’t know about you…but Andrew and I are ALWAYS looking for different things our Elf on the Shelf can do. I mean…the first five days we have him, he’s fun. The last 20 days we have him, we hate his guts. #imsotiredofmovingthatstupiddoll
So, I thought, what if I make a little mix and the elf could leave it one morning for my kids. That could be the thing he “does” that day…he leaves them a fun little treat to enjoy. Yes. Good idea. Your turn Andrew.
Basically, I made traditional muddy buddy mix (you know…Chex mix with peanut butter and powdered sugar) and added mixed nuts (to make it nutty…plus, my kids like nuts) and Christmas M&Ms. Easy, simple, tasty, Christmasy, done.
This recipe makes a huge batch. Store this in an airtight container at room temperature when not enjoying.
Shopping List
2 cups of mixed nuts (mine was peanuts, almonds and cashews…I made a little container on the bulk nut aisle in our grocery store)
5 cups of Corn Chex
1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
2 cups of powdered sugar
1 (9 oz) package of Christmas colored M&Ms
Before you begin, lay out a big piece of wax paper on your counter for your mix to dry on.
Next, combine your nuts and Corn Chex in a large mixing bowl. Set aside. Then, pour your chocolate chips and your peanut butter into a smaller microwavable bowl. Set aside. Finally, pour your powdered sugar into a large food storage bag (like a gallon freezer bag). Set aside. Now, you’re ready to assemble.
Pop your chocolate chip/peanut butter bowl into the microwave and heat until smooth (stirring every 30 seconds). Once the chocolate chips and peanut butter have melted together (about a minute or so) immediately pour this mixture down over your cereal/nut bowl. Toss until everything is combined. Immediately after that, pour this mixture into your gallon freezer bag with the powdered sugar, close it tight and begin to shake it until everything is coated. At the very end, open the bag, pour in your M&Ms and then give it one last toss (this way, your M&Ms aren’t completely coated with powdered sugar and still visible). Open your freezer bag, pour your entire mixture out on to your wax paper and allow everything to cool for about 30 minutes. Store in an airtight container after it has cooled.
That’s it! Leave a bowl out the next morning next to your elf and your work is done. Until the next morning. Sigh. #thatdarnelf
Narci says
Great idea! Our elf needs all the help/ideas he can get!
Lizzie @ This Happy Life says
My kids would LOVE this!!
Jennifer says
I write down things in my planner before the holiday season starts of where the elf is going to be each night. That way all I have to do is pull out my planner when my alarm goes off to remind me to move him and I don’t have to try and think of some creative spot at o’dark-thirty!
patricia says
I think the elf on the shelf needs to switch to random spot checks, not daily visits. Besides, isn’t he needed back at the North Pole to help make toys? He could leave a note for the kids telling them to be good all the time because you never know if he’s checking right now…
Angela Ellingson says
I love the idea of the elf, but the actual execution… I just don’t have it in me. Cute idea!
Christina says
OK, I just made this with my kids for the first time ever. It was so good! Quick and easy recipe , thanks for sharing .
Charmaine Ng says
I love the idea of the elf. I’d actually never heard of it until now!
– Charmaine
http://charmainenyw.com