Diabetic Popcorn Crunch Food

DIABETIC POPCORN CRUNCH

Steps:

• Spray a large baking pan with nonstick spray. Set aside.
• Preheat oven to 375°F.
• Remove and discard unpopped kernels from popcorn and set aside.
• In a small saucepan, combine sugar, molasses, water and stir to mix well.
• Cook over medium heat stirring with a wooden spoon until it comes to a full boil.
• Boil stirring constantly for 1 minute.
• Remove from heat.
• With a wooden spoon, stir in vanilla. Mix well.
• Very slowly drizzle syrup over the popcorn, stirring well to coat evenly (keep fingers away from hot syrup).
• Spread popcorn evenly in the pan.
• Bake on centre oven rack 5-6 mins until popcorn begins to crisp slightly.
• Remove from oven and stir.
• Let cool.
• Syrup will harden and popcorn will crisp further as it cools.
• When cool store in a sealed plastic bag or airtight container for 2-3 days (if it lasts that long!).
• EXCHANGE: 1 carbohydrate.

SWEET & SPICY POPCORN CRUNCH OR BALLS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 250°F Line 2 baking sheets with nonstick baking mats; set aside.
• Pop popcorn according to package directions, get rid of unpopped kernels; set aside.
• Make caramel: Combine butter, sugar, and corn syrup in a medium pot over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally until sugar has dissolved. Increase heat to medium-high, and cook, without stirring, until golden brown, about 5 minutes, swirling pot occasionally.
• Remove mixture from heat and quickly stir in salt, vanilla, cinnamon & cayenne with a heatproof spatula or spoon. Immediately pour over popcorn mixture and stir to incorporate. Divide popcorn mixture evenly between baking sheets. Transfer to oven and bake, about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Let cool on sheet pans before breaking apart into clusters. Store popcorn in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• *Note: If you opt for the 'pepitas' the pumpkin seeds instead of nuts (use one or the other not both) ~ you will need to toast the pumpkin seeds in a large skillet over medium-high heat, until browned and popping, tossing and stirring occasionally, about 4 minutes. (Do this in batches, if needed.) Then, add to the popcorn.
• *If making popcorn balls, use following directions: When the popcorn is cool enough to handle, coat your hands with some butter and shape into 4-inch balls. Wrap in waxed paper and tie with a string, if desired. Serve or store covered at room temperature for up to a week.