The Amherst Student

Valchemy: Afternoon Sweet Study Treats

Ivy Haight ’25 -

In the final stretch of the semester, I spend some of my best times in Val making afternoon sweet treats as a study break. The first is puppy chow, aka muddy buddies. These used to be my Grab-n-Go favorite, but they’re just as good fresh from Val. The second is called a “party banana,” which I just recently learned is not a common snack and might be something my parents created when I was a kid. Combined, these two snacks are the perfect pick-me-up while sitting in Val’s sunny booths between study sessions.

Here is a detailed step-by-step for these sweet treats:

Puppy Chow

  1. Fill a bowl with rice or corn Chex.
Choose between Chex dispensers located by the cereal. Photo courtesy of Ivy Haight ’25.

2. Add a couple of spoonfuls of peanut butter or SunButter, and a drizzle of chocolate syrup.

3. Pour A TON of powdered sugar (by the waffle makers) on top. I would have used even more than is pictured, but I used all that was available.

Peanut butter, chocolate syrup, powdered sugar, and Chex in a bowl. Photo courtesy of Ivy Haight ’25.

4. Stir, stir, stir, and add a couple more shakes of powdered sugar! I like to use two spoons to ensure the Chex is completely coated.

Combine all the ingredients together and enjoy this treat. Photo courtesy of Ivy Haight ’25.

5. Enjoy a fresh batch of Puppy Chow!

Party Banana

  1. Peel a banana.
Begin the recipe by peeling a fresh and ripe banana. Photo courtesy of Ivy Haight ’25.

2. Slice into thin disks.

Slice the banana into disks and lay them flat on a plate. Photo courtesy of Ivy Haight ’25.

3. Top with rainbow or chocolate sprinkles.

Add your desired amount of sprinkles on top and enjoy. Photo courtesy of Ivy Haight ’25.

4. Enjoy this colorful treat!

This brightly colored, unconventional snack is guaranteed to brighten your afternoon and pairs perfectly with afternoon sunshine. A party banana isn’t complete without someone to share it with, so next time you and your friends are studying in Val, make one for the table and have a party banana study party!