Tag Archives: healthy

Peanut Butter Popcorn!

Peanut Butter Popcorn!
Peanut Butter Popcorn!

I love popcorn, but popcorn drenched in a peanut butter glaze and drizzled with chocolate creates such a decadent, crunchy snack that you should be prepared to make a second batch! The peanut butter glaze is very simple to prepare and uses just two ingredients.  For those who want a healthier option, I have included that as well.  Both recipes are delicious!

Because we have a peanut butter allergy in our household, I have used almond butter instead of peanut butter.  Luckily, this recipe will work with any kind of nut butter!

What do you need?
12 cups of Popcorn
1/4 cup Peanut Butter or Almond Butter
1/4 cup White Chocolate
4 oz  Chocolate ( milk or dark) for drizzling

 

Peanut Butter Popcorn!
The makings of a peanut butter glaze!

Into a small microwavable bowl, mix the peanut butter and white chocolate.  Microwave 30-60 seconds or until the peanut butter is warm.  Remove from the microwave and stir until the white chocolate has melted and the two ingredients are combined.

Peanut Butter Popcorn!

After spreading out your popcorn in a shallow pan, drizzle with the peanut butter glaze!

You can toss the popcorn gently with a spoon to help distribute the glaze!

Peanut Butter Popcorn!
Peanut Butter Popcorn!

Melt 4 oz of the chocolate of your choice and drizzle it over the peanut butter glazed popcorn.

Allow the glaze and chocolate to cool and enjoy!

Peanut Butter Popcorn!
Peanut Butter Popcorn!

Now for the Healthier Peanut Butter Popcorn Recipe!

This healthier recipe is just as tasty as the first, but it does not set up as well.  If you are hoping to keep your peanut butter popcorn around for a day or two, I would suggest using the first option. If you are like me and the popcorn disappears in less than 30 minutes, then this is a great option for you!

Place 1/4 cup of peanut butter and 2 tablespoons of coconut oil in a small microwaveable bowl.  Heat for 30-60 seconds. Remove from the microwave and mix together until the coconut oil has melted and the two are combined.  If you would like to sweeten the glaze, add up to 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar.  Drizzle your peanut butter glaze over the popcorn and finish it off with a chocolate drizzle.  Allow your popcorn to cool and enjoy!

I linked up to iheartnaptime!
I linked up to iheartnaptime!

Roasted Kale – a light, crisp & tasty snack!

Raw Kale
Raw Kale

Last fall, I was visiting a sister of mine in the state of Washington and she served us a light, crispy, green “chip”.  It was salty and delightful to eat because of it’s mild flavor and satisfying crunch. The chip was roasted kale and it was a wonderful alternative to potato chips.

Now, whenever I have a craving for salty chips, I make roasted kale!  I am personally addicted.  I prepare it at least twice a week and I’m waiting for the day that my son says – please, can you make something else!  Luckily, he is a kale chip fan too – at least for now!

Making Kale Chips
Kale leaves.
Kale leaves

Remove the leaves from the stalk and tear into bite size pieces.  Drizzle with olive oil and your favorite salt.  Using your hands, toss the leaves until they are lightly coated in oil.

Kale ready to be roasted!
Kale ready to be roasted!

Evenly spread the leaves on baking sheets.  It you have a pizza pan with perforations, use that as your baking sheet.  It is not necessary, but it does work best.

I bake the kale at 300 degrees, but you could use a lower temperature.  If you go as high as 300 degrees make sure you keep a close eye on the kale.  Check it at least every 5 minutes until it is dry and crisp.  It will be done in 15-20 minutes depending on how dry your leaves were when you started roasting them.

Roasted Kale
Roasted Kale

Remove from your baking sheet and enjoy.  It really is that easy!

Update:  Today I tried something new!  Instead of using olive oil to lightly coat the kale leaves, I used melted coconut oil!  It was delicious!  To find out more about the merits of coconut oil, check another post of mine – Coconut Oil…Coconut Oil…I love Coconut Oil!

Oatmeal Tollhouse Cookies

 

Oatmeal Toll House Cookies
Oatmeal Toll House Cookies

Oatmeal Toll House Cookies

Who doesn’t love Nestle Toll House cookies?  We all do, but wouldn’t it be nice if they were a little healthier.  Well – Grandmother has done it!  She adds 2 cups of toasted oatmeal and a cup of toasted walnuts to the tollhouse cookie recipe.  The result is a dense delicious chocolate chip cookie with a hearty sweet goodness and a guilt-free feeling.  Ok – maybe not totally guilt-free. The addition of 2 cups of oatmeal adds 16 grams of fiber and 20 grams of protein.  The walnuts contribute 5 grams of fiber and 12 grams of protein.  Sounds like some good additions to me!

Toasting Oatmeal

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees.  Butter a cookie sheet and evenly distribute 2 cups of oatmeal.  Bake for 10 minutes, stir the oatmeal and bake an additional 10 minutes.  Let cool before adding to your Tollhouse cookie dough.  I add the nuts and oatmeal right before the chocolate chips.

Enjoy!