Making Munchies
Forget the basics, let's make it
Munchies have become a well-known word in popular culture.
According to Merriam-Wesbster, the term was first used in the late 1950s.
Today, the word munchies is used in two ways: to describe the snacks one eats while high and to describe a feeling you have when high.
Munchies happen as a result of using cannabis, especially strains with high levels of THC, according to Forbes.
The appetite-enhancing effects of most cannabinoids in many cases can offer clinical value to patients who don’t eat enough food regularly. A study from the National Library of Medicine found that cannabis can be used in the treatment of conditions involving reduced appetite and weight loss.
According to High Times, some of the most common snacks to eat during a high include ice cream, tacos and Chinese food.
Central Michigan Life is bringing you the recipes that we think will help you make the perfect munchies. (Vegetarian options are identified with V and vegan options are identified with VG.)
*Pro tip: The super bowl is coming up and these snacks double perfect for the big game day!
BBQ Pulled Pork Totchos a.k.a Loaded Tater Tot Nachos (V / VG option)
![](https://snworksceo.imgix.net/cml/8a12bc58-2fc3-4b93-8bcf-6de5a2c4d6f8.sized-1000x1000.jpg?w=1331.8822429287)
BBQ Pork Totchos pack sweet, salty and savory into one mouthful, and are perfect for game day or a quick-and-fulfilling snack. [CM Life staff photo]
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Ingredients
· 1 bag frozen tater tots (28-32 oz)
· 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (substitute with soy-based cheese for V / VG)
· 2 cups pulled pork (sub with meat substitutes like seitan or tempeh)
· ¾ cup BBQ sauce
· 1 bunch green onions, chopped
· 1 cup pico de gallo
· ½ cup sour cream or Mexican crema (sub with coconut milk)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a large baking sheet with foil for easier cleanup.
2. Spread the tots in a single layer on the baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes, then give the pan a shake and continue to bake for another 20-25 minutes until extra crispy. Remove from oven and set the oven to broil.
3. Sprinkle the cheese and pulled pork over the tots to evenly distribute. Drizzle with BBQ sauce. Return to the oven and broil for about 5 minutes until the meat is hot and the cheese is melted and starting to bubble.
4. Remove the baking sheet of totchos from the oven and top with the pico de gallo, chopped green onions, and sour cream or crema. If you want to drizzle the sour cream and it is too thick, whisk it with a little milk to thin it out first.
Additional tips:
· To make in air fryer, use smaller quantity. Cook for 12 minutes on 400°F, shake halfway through, top with cheese and cook for another 2-4 minutes.
· Optional toppings include crumbled bacon, coleslaw, sliced jalapenos, pickled onions, chopped onion, black beans and avocado.
-- Recipe adapted from Houseofnasheats.com
Puppy Chow (V / VG)
![](https://snworksceo.imgix.net/cml/fee26304-cfa5-4833-84dd-ac3c759f85bb.sized-1000x1000.jpeg?w=1415.5582395436)
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Chilling Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
· 1 cup dark chocolate chips
· 1 cup creamy peanut butter
· 6-7 cups Rice Chex Cereal
· 1-2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
1. Melt the peanut butter and chocolate together, on the stovetop or in the microwave.
2. Add 3 cups of cereal to a bowl. Pour 1 cup of the chocolate/peanut butter mixture over the cereal.
3. Stir until the cereal is evenly coated. If there are pools of chocolate/peanut butter at the bottom of the bowl, add more cereal ¼ cup at a time until it is coating all of the cereal.
4. Let the mixture cool, but not harden.
5. Once the mixture is at or below room temperature, add 1 cup of powdered sugar and mix until combined.
6. Let it cool for about 15 minutes.
7. Add more powdered sugar ¼ cup at a time until the cereal is coated to your liking.
-- Recipe adapted from Foodnetwork.com
Sour Patch Grapes (V / VG)
![](https://snworksceo.imgix.net/cml/4cf972e5-ed6c-476c-90f9-a82cd08539ca.sized-1000x1000.jpg?w=1123.0035624763)
These Sour Patch Grapes are a quick-and-easy, (relatively) nutritious snack. [CM Life photo | Aurora Rae]
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients
· 1/3 box Jolly Rancher Watermelon Mix
· 1/3 box Jolly Rancher Green Apple Mix
· 1/3 box Jello Lemon Mix
· 1/3 box Jello Orange Mix
· 3 pounds green grapes
· Toothpicks
· 1 cup water
Instructions
· Pour 1/3 of each flavor into small bowls.
· Poke a toothpick through the grape, where the stem was attached.
· Using a toothpick, dip the grape in water and roll it in the mix (or put the grapes in a bowl of water).
· After, put the grapes in the fridge, or freezer, for as long as takes to chill them to your liking.
-- Recipe adapted from Dinnerthendessert.com
*The grapes in the photo were made by soaking the grapes in powder and water for 12 hours. It is recommended to instead roll the grapes in the Jolly Rancher Powder.