“Maddie’s Peeps” is a special club– friends who give Maddie, (a spunky 5 year old Shorkie), wonderful vacations when her people parents leave town.  Tonight is her night for this treasured group of friends.  Maddie enjoys having her peeps over for a nice meal to show her appreciation.  Sometimes, she gives little gifts, like the wine bag pictured above.   For this evening, she is giving a REAL gift– one that you can EAT… PUPPY CHOW!  At each place setting,  a Puppy Chow filled box serves double duty as a favor and place card.  

PUPPY CHOW

• 9 cups Chex cereal-Corn, Rice or Chocolate (or combination)
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  

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Measure cereal into a large bowl and set aside.

In a 1-quart microwavable bowl, microwave chocolate chips, peanut butter and butter uncovered on High for 1 minutes; stir.  Microwave about 30 seconds longer or until mixture can be stirred smooth.  Stir in vanilla.

Pour mixture over cereal, stirring until evenly coated.

Pour into 2-gallon resealable bag.

Add powdered sugar.  Seal and shake until cereal mixture is well coated.

Spread on parchment paper to cool.  Store in an airtight container in refrigerator.

The table is set, the favors are in place, the food is almost done, and Maddie is ready to greet her guests and party!

The Menu

Lisa’s Swiss Fondue with Bread and Apples (for dipping)

• 1 clove garlic, split
• 1 cup dry white wine
• 1/2 pound Swiss cheese, shredded
• 1/2 pound Gruyere, shredded
• Dash of pepper, nutmeg and paprika
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/2 cup Kirsch or cherry brandy
  

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• Rub the inside of fondue pot with garlic.  Add wine and heat until bubbles form around the edges of the pot.
• Add shredded cheeses in small amounts, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon until smooth and melted.
• Add seasonings and remove from heat.
• Mix cornstarch and Kirsch into a paste, add to fondue.
• Return to heat and cook another two minutes stirring constantly.
• Serve, keeping hot over burner stirring occasionally.
• Spear bread cubes through soft side into crust and dip in fondue.

**If you don’t own a fondue pot and you are interested in obtaining one, this is the one that I use and love.  In addition to being great for all sorts of fondue, it works well for many warm appetizer dips and meat in bbq sauces.

Herb-Marinated Pork Tenderloins

Classic Potato Gratin

Cranberry Chutney with Orange, Figs, and Mustard

Browned Butter Brussels Sprouts

• Brown 1/3 cup butter on a baking sheet in a 350 degree F oven.
• Rinse, trim and half 1 pound of Brussels sprouts.
• Remove pan from oven, turn up the temperature in the oven to 400 degrees F, add sprouts to pan with browned butter and toss.
• Sprinkle with Kosher salt and pepper to taste
• Put pan of sprouts back into the oven and roast until browned, but still slightly firm when poked with a fork

Brownie Pudding with Ice Cream

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