Healthy Snacks for Stomp Out Obesity Graduation!

This past week was the last lesson in the 8-week long Stomp Out Obesity program. Before the students from the Eagle Scholars Academy were ready to play jeopardy to show everything they’ve learned, we had to make some healthy snacks to enjoy during the game. We made popcorn with two different toppings: one with cheese and herbs, and the other with honey and warm spices. Popcorn is one of the healthiest snacks around, because the corn kernels are high-fiber whole grains. We recommend making kernel popcorn, rather than microwave popcorn, because microwave popcorn contains a lot of added fat and sodium. Thanks to volunteer chef Ericka Martins for developing and testing these recipes for the final class! You can test your knowledge of the topics covered in Stomp Out Obesity by viewing the jeopardy presentation at http://prezi.com/bkctudt2blid/stomp-out-obesity-jeopardy/?kw=view-bkctudt2blid&rc=ref-35020131.

Sweet and Spicy Popcorn

8 cups plain unsalted popcorn

1 Tablespoon butter

1 Tablespoon good quality olive oil

2 ½ teaspoons honey

½ teaspoon cinnamon

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon chili powder

In a small saucepan melt together the butter, olive oil and honey.  Place popcorn in a large bowl, drizzle with the warm butter & honey mixture and stir to lightly coat. Sprinkle with the remaining dry seasoning and toss again to combine.  Serve immediately.

Cheesy Herbed Popcorn 

8 cups plain unsalted popcorn

3 Tablespoons good quality olive oil

3 Tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

1 Tablespoon any combination of dried herbs (basil, thyme, oregano, chive, parsley, and rosemary all work well)

Salt and pepper to taste

In a large bowl drizzle olive oil over top of the popcorn and toss to coast.  Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and dried herbs.  Toss gently to distribute evenly, season with salt and pepper and serve.