Protein Popcorn Balls

Ingredients

• 8 cups air-popped popcorn (about 1/3 cup kernels)
• 1/2 cup mixed nuts (chopped)
• 1/4 cup dried fruit (cranberries or raisins)
• 2 tbsp seeds (sunflower or pumpkin)
• 1/3 cup vanilla protein powder
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tbsp almond butter
• 2 tbsp coconut oil
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2-3 tbsp water
• 2 tbsp mini chocolate chips
• 1 tbsp cacao nibs
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp sea salt (for topping)
• Melted chocolate for drizzling
• Crushed nuts for rolling
• Coconut flakes
• Sprinkles

Instructions

1. 1

   Pop kernels using air popper or stovetop method until you have 8 cups of popped corn

2. 2

   Remove any unpopped kernels and place popcorn in large bowl

3. 3

   Add chopped nuts, dried fruit, and seeds to popcorn

4. 4

   In small saucepan, combine honey, almond butter, coconut oil, and maple syrup

5. 5

   Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture begins to bubble

6. 6

   Remove from heat and quickly whisk in protein powder until smooth

7. 7

   Add vanilla extract and salt, stir until well combined

8. 8

   Add water gradually until mixture reaches pourable consistency

9. 9

   Immediately pour hot protein syrup over popcorn mixture

10. 10

    Using large spoon or clean hands, quickly toss to coat all pieces evenly

11. 11

    Work fast as mixture will start to set as it cools

12. 12

    Add chocolate chips or cacao nibs if using (they'll melt slightly from residual heat)

13. 13

    Let cool for 2-3 minutes until mixture is handleable but still warm

14. 14

    With lightly oiled hands, form mixture into 12 tight balls, about tennis ball size

15. 15

    Place balls on parchment-lined tray

16. 16

    If desired, roll in coating options while still slightly tacky

17. 17

    Let cool completely at room temperature for 30 minutes

18. 18

    Drizzle with melted chocolate or sprinkle with sea salt before serving