CRUNCHING UP GAME DAY

Whether you are keeping cozy watching your favorite team or burning calories on the field, it is always best to choose high-energy snacks that will keep you on your toes. Popcorn is not only easy to make, it’s one of the most popular snacks for kids and adults alike. It can be pepped up with natural ingredients full of protein and a touch of sweet. Sliced almonds, pumpkin seeds, coconut and honey are just a few ingredients that will give you a game day boost.

Granola popcorn

INGREDIENTS:

8 cups popcorn

1 cup sliced almonds

1 cup pumpkin seeds

1 cup dried cranberries

1 cup shredded coconut

DIRECTIONS:

1/2 cup chocolate chips

1/2 cup honey

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup coconut oil, melted

Preheat oven to 300 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Measure 8 cups of popped popcorn in a large bowl and add almonds, pumpkin seeds, dried cranberries and shredded coconut.

In a small bowl, whisk together honey, brown sugar and coconut oil and then stir it into popcorn mixture.

Fully coat popcorn mixture and spread onto the lined baking sheet.

Bake popcorn for 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes to keep coating it in the honey. Remove popcorn from the oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes.

Sprinkle granola popcorn with chocolate chips and gently toss to combine.

Kristen Massad writes a monthly column about sweets and baked goods. The professional pastry chef graduated from the French Culinary Institute in New York City and owned Tart Bakery on Lovers Lane for eight years. She blogs about food and lifestyles at inkfoods.com.