Diabetic Popcorn Snacks

Keeping Popcorn Safe For
A Good Diabetic Snack

Anytime you are in the mood for some good diabetic popcorn snacks, the first and last rule you must remember is hold the butter and oil.

Air-popped popcorn is actually a very good choice for any diabetic. It is low in calories, fats, sodium and carbohydrates. By adding a few other ingredients, popcorn can become a great all-time snack treat. Also, if you prefer, omit the popcorn on this next recipe, add some skim milk and this recipe will give you a great breakfast cereal.

The Great Popcorn Snack Mix

Ingredients

• 1 cup air-popped popcorn
• 1 cup Cheerios
• 1/2 cup oatmeal flakes (not quick-cooking)
• 1/4 cup dried apricots, diced
• 1/4 cup dried blueberries or dried cherries (use fresh berries if you are using milk)
• 1/4 cup sunflower or pumpkin seeds
• dash cinnamon

Additionally, some great diabetic popcorn snacks can be assembled just by adding your favorite nuts, seeds, dried fruits, popcorn seasonings or vegetable chips. Some quick examples could be:

• Mexican Blend air-popped popcorn, diced dried chile peppers, oil packed tomatoes with chili powder

• Southwestern Blend includes 1 T. ground cumin with 2 tsp. hot chili powder and a pinch of sea salt

• Italian Blend air-popped popcorn, parmesan cheese, dried tomato wedges with sprinkle of garlic, basil and oregano

• A special Indian Curry Seasoning Blend includes a T. of curry powder with 1/2 tsp stevia, 1 tsp turmeric, a pinch of sea salt and add cayenne pepper to your taste

• Fruit & Nut Lover's air-popped popcorn, with any combination of the following fruits such as craisins, dried apples, pears, peaches, cranberries, acai berries, blueberries or apricots. Pick and choose any of your personal favorites. Sprinkle with 1/2 cups nuts of your choice and 2 drops of lemon juice. Stir well to blend flavors.

Another popular mixture is popcorn and peanut butter. If you happen to be a peanut butter fan, give this one a try.

Baked Peanut Snack Mix

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup margarine
• 2 T. peanut butter
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• 2 cups plain air-popped popcorn
• 2 cups oat cereal (like Cheerios)
• 1/2 cup peanut halves, shelled and skinned

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In a small saucepan, melt the margarine, peanut butter and cinnamon. Combine the popcorn, oats and peanuts and spread in the bottom of a 13 x 9 pan. Pour margarine mixture on top and toss to coat.
Bake 10-12 minutes until crispy.

Another new favorite around the house will be this unusual use of popcorn. Although this recipe uses a very small amount of sugar, the final result does come out best with natural sugar for browning. If you don't mind your cookie just a little less sweet, reduce the sugar to 1 T. instead.

Popcorn And Oat Cookies

Ingredients

• 1 cup plain air-popped popcorn
• 1/4 cup uncooked rolled oats
• 1 1/2 T. sugar
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 2 T. olive oil
• 1/2 T. almond (or soy) milk
• 1/8 tsp. salt
• cooking pan spray

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Combine the first 7 ingredients in your blender and blend until the popcorn and oats are all broken up (approximately 2 minutes)

Coat a cookie sheet with the cooking spray. Divide the dough into 4 even pieces. Flatten out slightly and place on the baking sheet. Wet the bottom of a round glass and press slightly to flatten. Bake until golden brown, approximately 8 minutes.Makes 4 large cookies, one per person.

Any mixture of diabetic popcorn snacks can be assembled to suit your personal tastes just by picking and choosing your favorite ingredients.

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