Popcorn Almond Bars

Spice up movie night or lift your spirits during a mid-afternoon energy slump with these popcorn bars full of nutritional goodness. The cardamom and orange zest are the surprise flavour boosters.

4 cups (1 L) popped popcorn
1 1/2 cups (350 mL) rolled oats
1/2 cup (125 mL) roughly chopped almonds
1/2 cup (125 mL) raisins
1/4 tsp (1 mL) ground cardamom
1/4 tsp (1 mL) sea salt
1/2 cup (125 mL) honey
1/4 cup (60 mL) coconut palm sugar or other raw style sugar
1/3 cup (80 mL) unsalted almond butter
1 tsp (5 mL) orange zest

In large bowl combine popcorn, oats, almonds, raisins, cardamom, and salt.

In small saucepan, heat honey and sugar over medium-low heat until sugar has dissolved. Stir in almond butter and orange zest.

Pour honey mixture onto popcorn mixture and stir until all contents are moist.

Line 8 x 8 x 2 in (2 L) square baking pan with wax or parchment paper. Place popcorn mixture into pan and press down firmly. Place in refrigerator for at least 2 hours to harden.

Slice into 12 squares for serving.

Serves 12.

Each serving contains: 199 calories; 4 g protein; 8 g total fat (1 g sat. fat, 0 g trans fat); 31 g total carbohydrates (18 g sugar, 3 g fibre); 52 mg sodium

source: "Popcorn", alive #359, September 2012