Kitten Kibble Snack Mix

On National Cat Day, let us not only celebrate our beloved pets but also recognize our shared responsibility to foster a safe, loving environment for all cats while respecting their independent nature. Coming up with a recipe for the occasion was both challenging and fun. I considered cut-out, decorated cat cookies, but I preferred the creative approach of a kitten kibble snack mix, made for humans. I hope you have as much fun with this tasty mix as I have had!

Ingredients

• 3 cups Chex (rice or corn) cereal (kibble base)
• 1½ cups Goldfish crackers (the fish treat)
• 1 cup chow mein noodles (the scratching post fibers)
• 1 cup peanut butter M&M’s or Reese’s Pieces (crunchy treat bits)
• 1 cup small pretzel twists or pretzel sticks
• 1 cup white chocolate chips or vanilla candy melts.
• Optional: 1 Tbsp. powdered sugar for a kibble coat dusting

Method

Line a large baking sheet with parchment or wax paper. In a large mixing bowl, gently toss together the Chex cereal, chow mein noodles, and pretzel twists to make the base. Melt the white chocolate in a double boiler or microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring until fully melted and smooth. Pour the melted chocolate over the cereal mixture. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold everything together until the pieces are lightly and evenly coated. While the chocolate is still wet, gently fold in the peanut butter pieces and the Goldfish. Adding these two ingredients now ensures they will stick together without getting completely covered by the chocolate, and preserve their bright colors. Spread the mixture evenly onto the prepared baking sheet. Set aside and cool. For a dusty kibble look, sprinkle with powdered sugar once cool.