Saturday, June 22, 2013

Tips For Making Great Chocolate Covered Popcorn Treats

By Lana Bray


Many times, you may crave a snack, but are unsure if you are in the mood for something sweet or something salty. If you often have this problem, and cannot make up your mind, you may want to try chocolate covered popcorn. This is a delicious treat that can help to satisfy your salty and sweet cravings in a healthy way.

Begin by spraying a large cooking pan with cooking spray in the flavor of your choice. Olive oil or butter cooking spray are good choices. Then, pour 10 cups of popcorn into a baking pan after you have popped it. It is good to use popcorn that has been air-popped, since it is the healthiest type you can eat. It also does not leave oil residue. The microwave variety is probably not a good choice. Next, you must preheat the oven to 300 degrees.

Next, combine 1/4 cup of butter with 2 cups of chocolate chips pieces. Add 1 cup of corn syrup and pour the whole mixture in a medium-sized pan. Heat the mixture over medium heat, and be sure to stir constantly until the mixture begins to boil. Be careful not to let it burn or boil over.

Once you have finished this part, it is time to bake the popped corn. Bake it for 45 minutes in the oven, watching that it does not burn. Once it has baked, take it out so that the food can cool off. Once cooled, you can and break it apart into bite-size pieces. Pack them in an airtight container, or some other container with a lid.

If you don't feel like baking the treat, try instead the no-bake recipe version. This is relatively easy and just as tasty as baking it. Start by spraying generously a large baking bowl with non-stick spray. Pour 12 cups of popped corn into the bowl.

Next, melt some butter, about a tablespoon, over medium heat on the stove. Mix in 1/4 cup of corn syrup and 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder. You can choose whatever cocoa powder you wish, either milk cocoa powder or rich dark chocolate powder. Then, add 3 tablespoons of skim or whole milk, whichever you prefer, and a dash of salt.

Stir this mixture constantly until it begins to boil. Pour the mixture over the popped corn and toss it well, so that it coats all of the pieces. Allow the popcorn to cool for about 5 minutes, then spread it out thickly on a cookie sheet that has been sprayed with non-stick cooking spray. Let the popcorn stand until it is totally cooled. You can then package it in sandwich bags or air-tight containers.

If you want to add a little variety to your chocolate covered popcorn, try adding nuts after preparing it. Younger children may like colorful sprinkles added to the treat. Another option is to melt either white or dark chocolate on top. When finished, you have a treat with both salty and sweet appeal. It can be taken with you to work or school, or even when you're traveling. Feel free to share this recipe with your friends, as they may enjoy it too. Always use caution in the kitchen.




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