almond joy popcorn

Almond Joy Popcorn. Vegan. Easy. Yummy.

This week, I received a huge Zip-lock bag of organic popcorn in my CSA share. When I went to store it in my pantry, I realized I still hadn't used up the popcorn from last year's CSA share. Uh-oh.

Popcorn leftover from last year in the container. Fresh popcorn in the bag.

Not too much of a problem since I really love popcorn. When using my air popper making it is almost easier than boiling water. I don't know why I don't make popcorn more often as a snack or lunch-box filler.

I heart my air popper.

Training for the marathon leaves me continually famished. So my old standby – salted popcorn sprinkled with nutritional yeast and olive oil – was not going to cut it. I was craving something more substantial – a hedonistic reward for all the miles I've put in. Something decadent yet still teetering on the edges of healthy[ish]. I needed....Almond Joy Popcorn!

This Almond Joy-inspired popcorn did not last very long.

I am super pleased with this recipe. It's easy and fun to make and lends itself wonderfully to improvisation. Mix up the nuts, types of vegan chips [eg, carob, vegan white chocolate chips] and additions [eg, raisins, cranberries, cereal]. You can even add sprinkles for the kiddos [only use the kind made with natural food coloring, please!].

Almond Joy Popcorn [vegan]

• 6 cups air-popped popcorn
• 1 cup vegan dark chocolate chips 
• 1 tsp coconut oil
• 1/4 cup slivered almonds, toasted
• 1/2 cup flaked, unsweetened coconut
• Pinch salt

Makes about 6 cups

Line a large cookie or jelly roll pan with parchment paper for a less-messy cleanup. Spread popped  popcorn atop the parchment.

Melt together the chocolate chips and the oil in a glass bowl in the microwave at 50% power [or use a double-boiler]. Stir in the remaining ingredients and drizzle atop the popcorn.






While chocolate is still melted, take a large spoon or spatula and gently toss the popcorn to ensure even coverage.

Place in refrigerator for 30 minutes to quicken the set-up process.

Wasn't that easy? Enjoy.