I admit it, this may be a bit on the frisky side of snacking considering I am about to share some healthy snacking tips but honestly, this is a healthy snack.
Now is when you belt out ‘What you sayin’ Jennifer?!’ Yes, well, I know you all get a few sugar cravings once in a while so I say indulge a little with pretzels, cranberries and dark chocolate. Now try to fault me.
Before you get a tasty recipe, let’s review some Healthy Snacking Tips:
*As with all grocery shopping, always shop the perimeter of the grocery store. That is where fresh foods like fruits and vegetables are usually located. Avoid the center aisles where junk foods lurk.
*Choose “real” whole foods, with as little processing and as few additives as possible. If you want more salt or sugar, add it yourself.
*Keep fresh fruit and veggies on the counter or visible when you can: Keep them washed, cut, and stored in a clear plastic container or on the table where you can see and grab it (bananas, apples, cuties).
*Hummus, mustard and low-fat ranch dressing are great dips.
*Low-fat yogurt: Mix fresh fruit into vanilla or plain yogurts.
*Low-fat cheese: Stock reduced-fat block cheeses, reduced-fat string cheese, laughing cow minis, and part-skim shredded cheese.
*Boiled eggs: A quickie and a favorite.
*When you want a salty snacks, grab some pickles or pretzels.
*Applesauce: Look for an unsweetened brand.
*Nuts and seeds: Go for almonds, pumpkins seeds and sunflower seeds.
*Some of my favorite grab-n-go snacks include string cheese & crackers/rice cakes and almonds & dried cranberries.
Dark Chocolate Peaut Butter Pretzel & Cranberry Popcorn Balls
Yield 15 (1 1/2-inch) balls
Adapted from EatingWell
Ingredients:
6 cups fresh popcorn, unsalted and unbuttered
1/4 cup agave nectar
1/4 cup creamy natural peanut butter or sunflower butter
1/3 finely chopped dried cranberries
1/3 roughly chopped dark chocolate
3/4 crushed pretzels (I used Snyder’s of Hanover Snaps)
Directions:
1. Pop popcorn and set aside. Line a baking sheet with parchment or wax paper and prepare a medium bowl of ice water (yes, ice water).
2. In a small non-stick pan, combine agave and peanut butter and heat over medium heat, stirring constantly. Once the mixture starts to bubble, remove it from the heat but continue to stir for 10-15 seconds.
3. Quickly pour the mixture over the popcorn and gently mix with a wooden spoon or plastic spatula until evenly coated. Gently stir in chocolate, pretzels and cranberries.
4. Dip both hands into the ice water, shake off excess and then form balls, pressing the popcorn mixture firmly. Place the balls on the baking sheet and repeat.
5. Once the popcorn balls are cool, place them in the refrigerator for a hour to set. Once you remove them from the refrigerator, individually wrap in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container.
This classic combination of a touch of salt from the pretzels and a touch of sweet from the nectar and chocolate will leave you smiling.
A final note: get creative with some of your favorite snacks such as pretzels and explore different flavor possibilities.
Disclosure: I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Snyder’s of Hanover blogging program and was compensated. For more information on how you can participate, click here.
gail says
Sounds great… I might suggest that almond butter in place of peanut butter might be nice… also cacao nibs in place of the dark chocolate
Jennifer says
It IS healthy if you share one or two….
Jennifer says
I love the same snacks you do as well – I shared all the other popcorn balls with the ladies at that soup swap
Jennifer says
Finally, someone who understands!
Lauren @ Healthy Food For Living says
These look amazing! Sweet, salty, crunchy, chocolatey and peanut buttery… what’s not to love?!
Lenore says
I am such a fan of string cheese, boiled eggs, and unsweetened applesauce as quick and healthy snacks, but I’ve got to say, these popcorn balls look AMAZING. I love the salty/sweet combination.
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers says
I love pretzels and chocolate together. I have peanut butter and pretzels dipped in dark chocolate in the fridge. So good! I need to try your pretzels balls! Is it consider healthy if you eat the whole batch?
Pure2raw twins says
yum what a great idea
janetha says
What a wonderful ball of sweet & salty goodness! These look awesome.
Marly says
Looks delicious…and I love the healthy snacking tips!
Cookin' Canuck says
Great healthy snacking tips. It’s so true that fantastic snacks can be made with REAL ingredients. These little popcorn look like the ultimate treat for my kids!