Healthy Cinnamon Maple Popcorn

In honor of National Caramel Day, I bring you a delicious, diet-friendly, kid-approved caramel popcorn recipe that has NO SUGAR! And really, it is delicious!

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I am all about moderation of almost all things, but this just isn't one of them! Remember the old Pringles jingle, "Once you pop, you can't stop!" Well, that is basically the theme of this treat and because it is healthy, I can justify my indulgence.

Our family got this recipe from another family at our old Brain Balance Center where diets were strictly monitored. It passed the Brain Balance test of healthiness and our taste test!

INGREDIENTS:

• 1/3 Cup Organic Popcorn Kernels (yields 6 cups of popcorn)

• *Optional* 3/4 Cup Sliced Almonds or Other Nut

• 1/2 Cup Real Maple Syrup

• 3 Tbsp. Peanut/Almond/Nut Butter

• 1 1/2 Tsp. Pure Vanilla Extract

• 1/4 Tsp. Salt

• 1/4 Tsp. Cinnamon (plus more for sprinkling if desired)

• Parchment Paper

• *Brown Paper Bag (if microwave popping)

DIRECTIONS:

Prep and Pop

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees

2. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper

3. **OPTIONAL** roast nuts on lined baking sheet for 7-10 minutes if you are including them

4. Pop the popcorn either in a pot on the stovetop or in batches in a brown paper bag in the microwave for 1-2 minutes until done

Caramel Sauce

1. In a small, heavy-bottomed pot, bring maple syrup to a boil over medium heat - watch closely

2. Boil for 2 mins. and 30 secs., reducing heat only if needed to prevent overflow

3. Remove from heat

4. Add nut butter, vanilla, salt, and cinnamon and whisk until well blended

5. Drizzle mixture over popcorn and toss with a rubber spatula

6. Pour popcorn in a single layer on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and bake for 6 minutes

7. Turn the pan and bake another 2 minutes

8. Remove from oven and sprinkle with salt and/or cinnamon to your desired taste (we prefer a light sprinkling of Himalayan Pink Salt)

9. Allow to cool then break apart

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**Do yourself a favor and make two or three batches at a time!

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