Thursday, January 10, 2013

Cinnamon Kettle Corn



We love kettle corn at my house. My kids go bananas for this stuff whenever I make it. It's so easy and I love that it has some added protein from the nut/seed butter, making this a great, balanced snack.

A great time saving tip for this recipe is to use day old popped popcorn. I will pop a big stockpot full of popcorn in coconut oil and my family enjoys it plain the first night, then I'll use the leftover popcorn to make this yummy cinnamon kettle corn the next day.

I should warn you though; this recipe has the potential to become an addiction, so it probably won't last very long! (At least it doesn't in my house!)

Cinnamon Kettle Corn

10-12 cups popped popcorn
1/4 cup coconut oil
1/4 cup nut or seed butter (peanut, almond, and sunflower seed butter all work well)
3 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon cinnamon
15 drops liquid stevia
pinch salt

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper.

Place popped popcorn in a large bowl.

In a small saucepan, heat oil, nut butter, and honey over low heat and stir until combined. Remove from heat and add cinnamon, stevia, and salt. Stir again.

Pour mixture over popcorn and stir with a large spoon until evenly distributed on popped corn.

Spread popcorn evenly on two prepared cookie sheets.

Bake for 10 minutes. Remove from oven and cool for 10 minutes.

Store covered or in a plastic bag for up to two days.

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Cranberry Orange Smoothie



Ahh... the flavors of winter. Tart, warming, citrus... I created this smoothie recipe to embody all of these  wonderful flavor sensations. I've been making smoothies like crazy these days. I love them so much because they make a great gluten-and-grain-free snack, satisfy the sweet tooth, and nourish the body with whole foods all at the same time. If you're wondering what to do with those lingering cranberries from the holidays, this recipe is for you.

Cranberry and Orange Smoothie

2 cups fresh cranberries
1 orange, peeled and quartered
1/2 cup pumpkin or squash puree, or applesauce
1/2 cup plain kefir
2 tablespoons chia seeds
2 tablespoons liquified coconut oil
2 tablespoons hot water
1/2 teaspoon powdered stevia
20 drops liquid stevia

Place all ingredients in the order listed in a Vitamix or other high powered blender. Process on high for about 30 seconds until completely pureed. Enjoy!