Sweetheart Muddy Buddies (Valentine's Day)

By msippigrl

Sweet, tart, verrry addictive cherry Valentine's Day treat! Or any day! Chew 2-3 muddy buddies and a M&M up together, tastes like a chocolate-covered cherry!! Try it!

Ingredients

• 6 ozs. bright white candy melts
• 6 ozs. red candy melts
• 1 teaspoon vegetable shortening, divided
• 8 cups Rice Chex cereal, divided
• 1 small box Cherry Jell-O gelatin (I used S.F.)
• 1 small packet unsweetened Cherry Kool-Aid powder
• 1 1/2 cups confectioners powdered sugar
• Valentine M&M's for garnish, optional

Preparation

Step 1

Set out 2 large baking sheets or jellyroll pans. Set aside.

In two large mixing bowls, measure out half the cereal (4 c.) in each one then set aside.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the confectioners sugar, dry Jell-O powder, and dry Kool-Aid powder. Get out (2) gallon-size plastic ziptop bags and put half the mixture in each one. Set aside.

Melt together the white candy melts and 1/2 teaspoon shortening; pour over one bowl of the cereal, stirring to coat evenly. Transfer the mixture to one of the plastic bags and shake the bag to coat evenly. Pour out onto one of the baking sheets to set.

Repeat the process above using the red candy melts (with 1/2 tsp. shortening).

When coating has hardened, mix the two pans of muddy buddies together then transfer to a serving dish and garnish, if desired, with the Valentine M&M's. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.