Crunchy snacks for kids

Crunchy Popcorn Snacks for Kids Recipe | USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Crunchy snacks are a favorite among kids and adults alike. They are perfect for on-the-go snacking, movie nights, or just when you need a little something to munch on. One popular crunchy snack that kids love is honey popcorn clusters, which are easy to make and delicious to eat.

History

The recipe for honey popcorn clusters has been around for decades and is a classic treat that many people remember from their childhood. It is a simple yet satisfying snack that combines the sweetness of honey with the crunchiness of popcorn and peanuts.

Ingredients

0.5 cup (8 tbsp) honey
0.5 cup margarine
6 cups popped popcorn
1 cup shelled peanuts

How to prepare

1. From Vicki Lansky's Candy Book.
2. Prepare a cookie jar.
3. Consider putting crackers in your cookie jar. Use crackers with less sugar and choose a low-salt variety.
4. Fill the cookie jar with peanuts-in-the-shell or roasted no-salt nuts.
5. Alternatively, keep a jar of nuts and raisins with a few chocolate chips (also known as "gorp").
6. Prepare popcorn.
7. For popcorn variation, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese or American cheese on top.
8. Another option is to mix popcorn with peanuts or cinnamon.
9. Package extra popcorn in small plastic bags with twist ties. These are excellent for outdoor treats, car rides, or TV special snacks.
10. Consider using the popcorn for lunch boxes as well.
11. Prepare honey "Cracker Jacks".
12. Heat honey and butter in a saucepan until blended.
13. Allow the mixture to cool.
14. Pour the honey mixture over popcorn mixed with peanuts, stirring as you pour.
15. Once well-coated, spread the mixture in a single layer on a pan.
16. Bake at 350°F (177°C) for 5-10 minutes or until crisp, stirring several times.
17. Be careful not to burn the mixture. The difference between crisp (not brown) and burnt can be a matter of minutes.
18. Package the honey popcorn in plastic bags and twist tie them.
19. If you want the popcorn to resemble the "real thing", consider adding a small toy.
20. Prepare popcorn candy clusters.
21. In a bowl, melt 1 cup (8 oz / 227 g) of semi-sweet chocolate chips.
22. Add 1 cup of freshly popped popcorn and 1 cup of nuts to the melted chocolate. Stir until well-coated.
23. Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto a cookie sheet or wax paper and let it set until firm.
24. If desired, chill the clusters in the freezer for 5 minutes to speed up the firming process.
25. Once firm, store the clusters in plastic bags.
26. Prepare Cruncho Mix.
27. In a large bowl, mix 4 cups of crunchy cereal (such as Cheerios or Corn Chex), 1 cup of peanuts or mixed nuts, 1 cup of small pretzel sticks, and 1 cup of seasoned croutons.
28. In a separate bowl, combine 0.5 cup of salad oil or 6 tbsp of melted butter, 2 tsp of Worcestershire sauce, and 0.25 tsp of garlic powder.
29. Pour the oil and seasoning mixture over the crunchy ingredients in the large bowl. Coat them evenly.
30. Spread the mixture in a shallow pan and heat in the oven at 250°F (121°C) for about 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes.
31. Once done, spread the mixture on absorbent paper to cool.

Variations

Try adding dried fruit, such as raisins or cranberries, to the popcorn clusters for a sweet and tangy twist.
Experiment with different nuts, such as almonds or cashews, in place of the peanuts for a unique flavor combination.
For a savory option, try adding a sprinkle of garlic powder or onion powder to the honey mixture before coating the popcorn.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be careful not to burn the honey mixture when baking the popcorn clusters. Keep a close eye on them in the oven and stir them frequently to ensure even cooking.

- For a fun twist, consider adding a small toy to the popcorn clusters before packaging them in plastic bags. Kids will love the surprise!

- Store the popcorn clusters in an airtight container to keep them fresh and crunchy for longer.

Serving Suggestions

Honey popcorn clusters are perfect for packing in lunch boxes, taking on picnics, or enjoying as a movie night snack. They can also be a fun addition to a party spread or a homemade gift for friends and family.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making perfect honey popcorn clusters is to coat the popcorn and peanuts evenly with the honey mixture before baking them in the oven. Stir the mixture frequently to ensure that it cooks evenly and doesn't burn.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have honey on hand, you can substitute it with maple syrup or agave nectar. You can also use butter instead of margarine for a richer flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

Honey popcorn clusters can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They make a great grab-and-go snack for busy days.

Presentation Ideas

Package the honey popcorn clusters in small plastic bags or decorative containers for a fun and portable snack option. You can also arrange them on a platter with other snacks for a party or gathering.

Pairing Recommendations

Honey popcorn clusters pair well with a glass of cold milk, a cup of hot tea, or a refreshing glass of lemonade. They also go well with fresh fruit, such as apple slices or grapes.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store honey popcorn clusters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If they start to lose their crunchiness, you can reheat them in the oven at a low temperature for a few minutes to revive them.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of honey popcorn clusters contains approximately 200 calories. This makes them a relatively low-calorie snack option that can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of honey popcorn clusters contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are the body's main source of energy and are important for fueling physical activity and brain function.

Fats

Each serving of honey popcorn clusters contains approximately 15 grams of fat. While fats are often demonized, they are essential for overall health and play a role in hormone production, nutrient absorption, and cell function.

Proteins

Each serving of honey popcorn clusters contains approximately 5 grams of protein. Protein is important for building and repairing tissues, as well as supporting immune function and muscle growth.

Vitamins and minerals

Honey popcorn clusters are a good source of iron, magnesium, and vitamin E. Iron is important for oxygen transport in the blood, magnesium is essential for muscle and nerve function, and vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage.

Alergens

Honey popcorn clusters contain peanuts, which are a common allergen. If you or your child has a peanut allergy, be sure to substitute the peanuts with a different nut or omit them altogether.

Summary

Overall, honey popcorn clusters are a tasty and satisfying snack that can be enjoyed by kids and adults alike. They provide a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, as well as essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Honey popcorn clusters are a delicious and easy-to-make snack that kids will love. They are crunchy, sweet, and satisfying, making them the perfect treat for any occasion. With a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, as well as essential vitamins and minerals, honey popcorn clusters are a wholesome snack option that can be enjoyed by the whole family.

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for crunchy snacks for kids. It was a sunny day in late spring, and I was visiting my dear friend Martha, who was known for her delicious cooking. As soon as I walked into her kitchen, I was greeted by the mouth-watering aroma of something baking in the oven.

"Come and have a taste of these, my dear," Martha said with a twinkle in her eye as she handed me a golden brown, crispy snack. I took a bite and was instantly hooked. The crunchy texture and the savory flavor were unlike anything I had ever tasted before. I begged Martha to share the recipe with me, and she graciously agreed.

As she wrote down the ingredients and instructions for making the snacks, Martha told me that she had learned the recipe from an old friend who had traveled to exotic lands and brought back culinary treasures. The recipe was a combination of traditional spices and techniques from different cultures, resulting in a unique and irresistible snack.

I couldn't wait to try making the snacks myself, so as soon as I got home, I gathered the ingredients and set to work. The process was simple yet precise, requiring careful measurement and attention to detail. I mixed together flour, spices, and a special blend of herbs before adding water to form a dough. I then rolled out the dough and cut it into small pieces, which I fried until they were crispy and golden brown.

The result was even better than I had hoped for - an addictive snack that was perfect for kids and adults alike. The crunchy texture and the burst of flavors made it impossible to stop at just one. I shared the snacks with my grandchildren, who declared them to be the best thing they had ever tasted.

From that day on, the recipe for crunchy snacks became a staple in my kitchen. I made them for family gatherings, potlucks, and even for my neighbors, who couldn't get enough of them. The snacks were a hit wherever I took them, and I was proud to have discovered such a delicious and versatile recipe.

Over the years, I have made small adjustments to the recipe, adding a pinch of this or a dash of that to suit my taste. I have also passed it on to my children and grandchildren, who have made it their own by adding their own twist to it. The recipe has become a family tradition, a symbol of love and sharing that brings us together around the table.

As I write down the recipe for crunchy snacks for kids, I can't help but feel grateful for the serendipitous moment that led me to discover it. It is a reminder that sometimes the best things in life come to us when we least expect it, and that a simple snack can bring joy and connection to those we love. I hope that this recipe will find its way into your kitchen and bring you as much happiness as it has brought to me and my family. Enjoy!