Popcorn Balls {dairy-free, egg-free, peanut-free, gluten-free}

Just in time for Fall parties and celebrations! Last Saturday I had to come up with a dessert for a Harvest Party that would be fun for a group of college students. I wanted something that fit into the 'finger food' category that would also be allergy-friendly for my daughter. In group events where food is involved {when is food NOT involved?}, I like to make something allergy-friendly so my girl can eat what everyone else is enjoying. I was happy to have found this Fall favorite and make it allergy-friendly. So, if you're looking for a quick treat that doesn't require much effort, this is it!

Popcorn Balls {dairy-free, egg-free, peanut-free, gluten-free}

3/4 c light corn syrup
1/4 coconut oil
2 T cold water
2 5/8 c powdered sugar
1 cup marshmallows
5 quarts popcorn, popped {I airpopped mine - delicious}

Heat the first 5 ingredients in a saucepan and mix well. Once thoroughly combined, add in marshmallows, stir constantly until melted. Pour mixture over popcorn and mix until coated. Lay wax paper down and form popcorn into balls. Place on wax paper to set. I wore disposable gloves sprayed with cooking spray to form the popcorn balls and it worked like a charm. No sticking. These turned out great with very little effort!

Enjoy!

15 Minute Caramel Popcorn {Allergy-Free}

Tonight is movie night at our house and you know what that means....popcorn! I decided to jazz it up a little since we're watching one of my all-time favorite Disney movies - Lady and the Tramp. Can't wait to watch this with my girls - and Hubs! Here's the low-down:

15 Minute Caramel Popcorn {Allergy-Free}

{I use Orville Reddenbacher in a jar. Air pop a 1/2 cup kernels = 3-5 quarts popcorn}

In a microwave safe bowl, heat 1 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup Smart Balance Light, 1/4 cup corn syrup, 1 tsp vanilla, 1/2 tsp salt for 2 min. Stir, heat another minute. Stir. Then, add 1 tsp baking soda and heat another minute. Stir.

 

How do you eat your popcorn??

For more yummy popcorn flavors try this and this.

BBQ Popcorn {Dairy-Free} Taking Movie Night to a Whole New Level

One thing I love about popcorn is that it is so versatile! It's a great snack to eat instead of chips and it's a whole grain, so it's healthy {minus all the dripping butter}. I posted awhile back about taking popcorn to the next stage - stepping outside the 'movie theater' popcorn box, so to speak - and showed you how to make Pizza Popcorn. That was yummy! Today I made some of this:

BBQ Popcorn {Dairy-Free}

1/2 cup popcorn kernels
Spray Crisco or Pam
BBQ Seasoning {I used Paula Deen's}
Black Pepper

Pop the pocorn according to package directions. I used an air popper so no oil was used during preparation. Once popped, spray a light dusting of Crisco or Pam on the top layer and sprinkle some BBQ seasoning on top. With a large spoon or your hands, mix the popcorn up and repeat the spray & sprinkle steps. Mix again and sprinkle more if needed. Finally, sprinkle a bit of black pepper on the very top. Spoon into bowls and enjoy!

Pizza Popcorn {Dairy-free}

We love popcorn at our house. We eat it on family movie night and sometimes as a snack {especially when I'm out of everything else}. But let's face it, popcorn can be rather boring. Sometimes I'd like a more flavorful snack and that is why I made Pizza Popcorn. Popcorn is a whole grain and is healthy for you {when it's not dripping with butter}. So, why not try this tasty variation!

Pizza Popcorn {Dairy-free}

1 bag microwave popcorn {I use Pop Secret - they do have some without milk - read the labels}

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp Italian herb seasoning

1 tsp paprika

1/2 tsp sea salt

dash of pepper {optional}

While popcorn is popping, mix together all ingredients in small dish. Sprinkle over popcorn while it is hot. Toss to coat evenly. EAT! *If you are not allergic to dairy, you can add in 2 T grated parmesean cheese. Then, with mini food processor, pulse all ingredients together to mix them well. Finally, add to hot popcorn and toss to coat.*