Cozy Warm Snacks

Well y'all - I hope you're hungry because I'm posting recipes today - the kind that make you feel all cozy warm on a winters night! 
{or when you have to crank the a/c down to 60 to pretend its winter}
Ashamedly enough, I really do not love to post recipes because I feel they are "my secrets" to delicious happiness and if you want that same delicious happiness, you'll have to ask me for it!
......But, I'm going to share - so hush up & be grateful!



S'mores Hot Cocoa {Handsome man hasn't taste-tested this one yet, but I'm sure he'll agree it's a winner. We've been on quite the s'mores kick lately - doing them over the grille since a fire pit isn't an option right now}

One packet of hot cocoa mix {I'm a Ghiradelli fan, myself} 
2 tsp. Fat-free non-dairy powdered creamer
2 tsp. Unsweetened cocoa powder 
2 tsp. Mini semi-sweet chocolate chips 
20 Mini marshmallows (about 1/4 cup)
2 Low-fat honey graham crackers (half a sheet), crushed

Place cocoa mix, powdered creamer, cocoa powder, and chocolate chips in a large mug. Add 1 cup very hot water, and stir until ingredients are fully dissolved, melted, and combined. Top with marshmallows.

Now here's the fun part...
Using a kitchen torch, toast the marshmallow layer for 5 - 10 seconds, until slightly melted and cooked to your liking. Allow to cool slightly, and then top with crushed graham crackers.


Cinnamon Bun Popcorn {Great for a movie-night at home with a fire in your hearth, or to give away in cute packages to co-workers. Guaranteed they will think it's "Moose Munch" from Harry&David!}

12 C popped popcorn (about 1/2 C kernels)*
1 C roughly chopped pecans
1 C brown sugar
3/4 t cinnamon
1/4 C Karo syrup (I prefer honey as a healthier substitution)
1 stick real butter (1/2 C)
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. vanilla
3 squares almond bark 

Preheat oven to 250 degrees. Place popcorn and chopped pecans in a large bowl and set aside. Combine brown sugar and cinnamon in a big, microwave-safe bowl. Chop butter into chunks and place on top of sugar mixture. Pour corn syrup (or honey) over the top of everything. Microwave on high for 15 seconds (to soften) and stir to combine. Return to microwave and heat for 2 minutes. Remove and stir, then microwave for 2 more minutes. Remove from the microwave and add in vanilla and baking soda. Be careful not to over cook the sugar mixture - at a certain temperature, it will turn into a hard candy and won't spread well over your popcorn!  Pour it right over the popcorn and pecans. Stir right away, and keep stirring until everything is well coated {just keep swimming, swimming, swimming...}
Spread popcorn mixture onto a foil-lined jelly roll pan. Bake for 30 minutes at 250 degrees, stirring every 10 minutes. Gently melt your almond bark and drizzle over cooled popcorn.

  

Cozy up and enjoy your treats!

xo

B