Movies on a budget

Matt and I love to go to the movies.

Unfortunately for us, we also love to eat. And pay rent. And have lights and stuff. For us, going to the movies is a $40-plus experience. Add it up:

Tickets: $16

Popcorn: $6

Two giant sodas: $10

Candy from Safeway: $10

And that's if we don't get any other treats at the theatre! My stepson is left out of that total as well.

The "Transformers" sequel comes out this weekend, and so hitting the theatres is unavoidable. Popcorn and sodas purchased at the theatre is non-negotiable to my husband and stepson (I prefer to carry in my own Jolly Time 99% Fat Free Kettle Corn because it tastes better for fewer calories), so that expense stays.

But I can do something about the sweet treats. I mulled this thought over as I was enjoying a miniature Kit Kat bar and Reese's Peanut Butter Cup.

What's the perfect movie candy? Something chocolaty, with peanut butter and a little bit of cookie flavor. My eyes widened and I turned to Google after the perfect thought hit me:

Muddy Buddies!

Those delicious, chocolate-peanut butter Chex creations would be the perfect accompaniment to greasy, salty movie popcorn. As a bonus, I've got all ingredients on hand (most people do, if they're like me and buy chocolate chips and peanut butter in bulk from Costco) except the Chex cereal. So for $5, I can whip up a great movie snack that will (hopefully) please my whole family!

Here's the recipe:

Muddy Buddies

9 cups Chex cereal

1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

1/2 cup peanut butter

1/4 cup butter or margarine

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

Measure cereal into large bowl. Let aside.

In 1-quart microwavable bowl, microwave* chocolate chips, peanut butter and butter uncovered on High for 1 minute. 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 food-storage plastic bag.

Add powdered sugar. Seal bag. Shake until well coated. Spread on waxed paper to cool. Store in airtight container in refrigerator.

*I've always done this on the stove top. But it's hard to argue with the ease of microwaving!

Winner, winner: Chicken dinner

You vote, I obey.

An overwhelming number of readers wish to see me take on a whole chicken for my "cooking with meat" challenge.

Since I started this challenge as a meat-cooking chicken, it's only appropriate (ha-ha).

The chicken dinner (with stuffing and brussels sprouts) is on my menu for this next week. Assuming I don't get a major veto from my husband (i.e. find a loophole that allows me to chicken out once again!), I'll post my experience within seven days!

In the meantime, I'll take recommendations, tips, tricks and favorite recipies! Please comment below and save my family from potential doom!

Weekly check-in

Just a round-up of my life over the week to keep me honest, and satisfy that need for voyeurism that forces you to read my blog. :)


Mind
One-word description of the workweek: Laborious
Books I've finished: "Look Me in the Eye," John Elder Robinson; "The Pact," Jodi Picoult
News story that stuck with me: Jon & Kate Plus 8 divorcing; Farrah Fawcett--dead!; Michael Jackson--dead! Wow, what a week!


Body
Workouts this week: 4
Nutritional cheats: White-chocolate truffles, lemon bread, Muddy Buddies (although since technically I didn't have lunch those days ...)


Spirit
What I did for myself: With a house full of noise and boys, I took myself to the movies on Sunday to see the weeper "My Sisters Keeper." Did not disappoint! I'm glad I brought a bag of tissues, because I started crying about five minutes in, and didn't stop until 10 minutes before the credits rolled. Judging by all the sniffles around me, the handful of other women in the theatre felt the same way! Ladies, isn't it great to have an outlet for those unnecessary tears every now and again?