Rethink Snacking with Salted Dark Chocolate Popcorn

Sometimes certain foods can get a bad reputation for various reasons. One food that has definitely been a victim of neglect in the snack world is popcorn! Because popcorn is a product of corn, it is typically thought of as “bad” and high in carbohydrates (sugar). We're here to shed new light on this delicious product! (Now disclaimer here, we are not talking about the salty, buttery popcorn we get at the movie theater. We’re talking about popcorn that you make yourself at home and you control what you add to it.)

There are so many great benefits to eating popcorn, but one of the best things about this food is that is is diabetic friendly. People who are following a carb-controlled diet are welcome to partake in eating popcorn. Since it is made from corn, it is considered a whole grain and is a good source of fiber. Foods that are higher in fiber spike blood sugar levels less than lower fiber options. Also, popcorn is considered a low glycemic food and is diabetic friendly. One of our favorite things about popcorn is the incredible serving size you get! A 3 cup portion of popped popcorn is only 15 grams of carbohydrates and roughly 100 calories. That’s a lot of popcorn with very little consequence.

Eating popcorn as a sweet, indulgent snack is a great option because you get more bang for your buck. The key to this delicious recipe is moderation! We are adding some dark chocolate to the popcorn to give it a bit of sweetness, but dark chocolate is also high in polyphenols which have heart protective benefits. So we’re indulging, but still eating smart! And as a bonus, it's a great way to Color Your Basket white AND brown this April!

Salted Dark Chocolate Popcorn

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon canola oil

1/3 cup popcorn kernels

4 ounces good-quality dark chocolate, chopped

3/4 teaspoon fine sea salt, divided

6 oz. blackberries or blueberries

Directions

1) In a medium pot, heat the oil and 3 kernels of popcorn, covered, over medium heat until all 3 kernels pop. Pour in the remaining kernels, cover pot again and shake to distribute. As the popcorn pops, shake pan occasionally and immediately remove from heat once the popping slows to 2-3 seconds between pops. Pour popcorn into a large bowl, removing any unpopped or partially popped kernels you see.

2) Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside. Place the chocolate and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a microwave-safe measuring cup or bowl. Heat in the microwave in 30-second increments until chocolate is very soft and becomes completely liquid when stirred gently. Immediately pour over the popcorn and stir to coat as thoroughly as possible.

3) Spread evenly onto the baking sheet and sprinkle with remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt. Let sit at room temperature until chocolate has hardened, about 1 hour.

It keeps for up to 3 days in an airtight container, but if you can keep it around that long, you are a stronger person than we are! Enjoy!