I love popcorn, and make it several times a week, usually to enjoy while my husband and I watch Netflix after the kids go to bed; I find that it's the perfect bedtime snack to pair with a cup of tea (or sometimes a glass of red wine!). Lately I've been making a huge batch and saving some for school lunches or for after-school snacks. The kids love it as much as I do, and because it's a fibre-rich and nutritious, I feel good about them eating it.
Last week we were invited to an outdoor movie night at a friends house, where all of the kids were able to cuddle up in their sleeping bags and watch a Disney movie, and the parents visited, drank wine and enjoyed some of the movie, too. Each family brought a snack, and because I had a big batch of leftover popcorn (and a Costco-sized bag of chia seeds), I decided to make caramelized popcorn with chia seeds (we've made it before and it was to-die-for). And sure enough, it was a hit again!
Although this recipe is really nutritious, boasting lots of fibre, healthy Omega-3 fats, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, it also contains some added fat and sugar, therefore might not be an "everyday" kind of snack like regular air-popped popcorn would be. But, I consider it a healthier version of kettle corn or caramel corn that you would buy at a shop.
A word of warning: it's addicting...
Ingredients
Directions
Preheat oven to 275 degrees. Line baking sheet with parchment paper or grease a baking sheet.
Place popcorn in a large bowl. Drizzle with maple syrup and coconut oil and toss well to coat.
Mix brown sugar, chia seeds, nutmeg, cinnamon and salt in a small bowl. Add mixture to popcorn and toss well.
Transfer popcorn to prepared pan and lightly press together to form flat, unified layer. Bake 20 minutes.
Cool , break apart, and store in airtight container.
*Adapted from: Nutritious Eats "Caramelized Hemp and Chia Seed Popcorn "
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Try Chocolate Chia Protein Balls, as well as these Sweet and Salty Lentil granola bars (both recipes are school-safe too!)
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