Popcorn Popping on the Apricot Tree

It was the last day of school for my little guy earlier in the week. In addition to finishing 4th grade, its also the last day in his school. Our district is opening a new elementary in the fall, which is where he will be going. It’s bittersweet, because he’s been going to this school since pre-school, so there are a lot of memories. On the other hand, we are all excited about the new school and new possibilities.
On the last day, not much gets done, so his class will be watching movies. As a special treat for it-and since he’s had such a ball in 4th grade, I made popcorn balls this morning. It was super easy and super fast!

I made my brown bag microwave popcorn in three separate batches.

After that I micro waved 2 cups marshmallows and ½ c butter. I stirred it well and mixed in a box of Jell-O (I used strawberry with colored marshmallows, since that’s what was in the pantry). You mix the ooey gooey mixture with the popcorn and shape into balls.

Seriously, it took 15 minutes from start to finish.

3 cups popcorn
2 cups marshmallows
½ c butter
1 box Jell-O

Microwave marshmallows and butter. Stir in Jell-O. Mix with popcorn. Form into balls.

Raspberry lime dip

2 c plain yogurt strained
1c raspberries
1 tbsp lime juice
4 tbsp sugar or sweetner

Blend raspberries & strain. Mix yogurt sugar & lime juice. Add raspberry purée till well blended. Chill well

Less Guilt Chex Mix

I love chex mix. There's something so decadently yummy by all those flavors combining into one snack. The only problem is it can be really bad for you and it takes forever. I did a recipe makeover, and came up with something amazing.

1 c chex cereal (I chose the whole grain)
1/3 c pretzel sticks
1/3 c mixed nuts (I used peanuts, cashews, almonds & brazil nuts)
2 tbsp dried fruit (I used a mix of cranberries, chopped dates & raisins)
2 tbsp Carob chips
1/4 c vegetable broth
1 tsp olive or grapeseed oil
2 tbsp worcestershire sauce (I keep a batch of this on hand:
http://cookingwithrockstars.com/recipes/vegan-worcestershire-sauce)
Dash minced onion
Dash garlic powder (okay, several dashes)
Dash dash dash red pepper
Dash parsley flakes

Mix the broth, oil and seasonings together in a mixing bowl. Add pretzels , cereal & nuts. Mix well, ensuring everything is evenly coated. Pour into a microwave safe bowl, heat up for 3-4 minutes on high. Turn out on a paper towel to drain excess moisture. Add carob and fruit. Store in an air tight container, and snack with less guilt.

Afternoon Snacker

1 banana


1 tsp peanut or almond butter

1 tsp carob chips

1 tbsp granola



Slice banana in half. Spread with butter, roll in carob and granola

Great Song of Indifference

Or what I am thinking about the super bowl this year. Since I am not a fan of either team playing, it really doesn't matter to me. I'm more interested in the Ghosthunters marathon and the puppy bowl.

However, we need to have snacks.

I bought some yummy ones. Alexia brand has healthier versions of mozzarella sticks & potato bites. There's the morningstar farms buffalo wings. Then we will have quesadillas & potato skins and chocolate chip cookies.

Quesadillas

Tortillas

Cheese shredded

Heat a skilled sprayed with non stick spray. Take a tortilla fold in half fill with cheese. Cook over low heat until cheese is melted. Serve with salsa.

Potato skins

Potatoes, well scrubbed

Cheese

Scallions

Other toppings

Poke holes in potato & microwave like you're baking it. When done, let cool, slice in half & scoop out insides.(I'm using the guts for corn chowder tomorrow night). Pre heat boiler. Add cheese, scallions & toppings to potato shell. Broil till cheese is melted.

easy peasy chocolate chip cookies

Present oven to 350.

2 c baking mix

2 tsp flax seeds

1 c brown sugar

1 c apple sauce

1 chocolate chips

1 egg

Mix ingredients together, drop onto a cookie sheet sprayed with non.stick spray. Bake 7-10 minutes, cool on a rack.