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So, here’s the deal. I am awful when it comes to planning after-school snacks. When it comes to breakfast, lunch and dinner I feel like I am on my “A” game but after-school snacks are not within my wheelhouse. I rarely put much thought into appropriate after-schools snacks and find myself in full on panic mode when my kids come home from school starving and begin tearing through the refrigerator and pantry.  But the other day I decided to step up my game. I surprised the boys with the loaded Coconut Raisin Chocolate Almond Popcorn. It was packed with nutritious goodies like coconut, raisins and almonds but also felt like a treat. It was a moment of pure genius.

I packed this popcorn with ingredients like California Raisins because it is are win-win. Win for me and a win for the kids. California Raisins are an all-natural, dried-by-the-sun fruit you can feel good about sending with your kids as they head back to school or offering as an after-school snack. The ingredient list says it all: Raisins. We rely on California Raisins for breakfast, lunch, dinner and after-school snacks. Convenient and portable, California Raisins are a great choice for wholesome, healthy, on-the-go snacking (perfect for the soccer fields). They are a great value, too! According to the USDA, raisins are the most economical dried fruit – I always have them on hand in my pantry for when I am running low on fresh fruit.

Coconut Raisin Chocolate Almond Popcorn

To make this Coconut Raisin Chocolate Almond Popcorn, I popped whole kernel popcorn in coconut oil right on my stove top. I then lightly tossed the fresh popped popcorn in a small amount of chocolate chips to keep the sugar count down since California Raisins come by their sweetness naturally. With California Raisins, the nutrition label tells a great story: Zero fat, no cholesterol and no added sugar. Plus, raisins offer 9% of your daily fiber and potassium, and 6% of your daily iron. (per quarter cup serving) so I didn’t to mess with all the good stuff by adding a bunch of junk. I rounded out the goodness by adding coconut chips (not flakes) and almonds. Since popcorn is so voluminous this Coconut Raisin Chocolate Almond Popcorn goes a long way to satisfying the after-school hunger and keeping the boys full until dinnertime. 

Coconut Raisin Chocolate Almond Popcorn

A perfect after-school snack #SnacktoSchool #LoveYourRaisins
Author: Linda Arceo

Ingredients

  • 1 cup popcorn kernels unpopped
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil
  • 1/2 chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup coconut chips
  • 1/2 cup California Raisins
  • 1/2 cup Chopped Almonds
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon sugar (combined)

Instructions

  • Pop popcorn kernels in coconut oil using air pop method or stovetop.
  • While popcorn is still hot place in a large bowl and add chocolate chips Toss to coat.
  • Once popcorn is coated lightly with chocolate, add coconut chops, California Raisins and Almonds to popcorn and combine. Sprinkle cinnamon-sugar mixture on top and serve. Store in airtight container for up to 5 days.
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Not only is this Coconut Raisin Chocolate Almond Popcorn packed with California Raisins good as an after-school snack, it is also great for movie nights, dessert and the lunch bag when you are craving something sweet.

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Visit www.loveyourraisins.com for more information about California Raisins and find us on Facebook at http://clvr.li/1tmy3j2 where you can sign up to receive a California Raisins prize pack! Limited supply; while quantities last.

Enjoy and happy snacking!

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

This article was written by food blogger Linda Arceo and Giggles, Gobbles and Gulps