Sticky Maple Date Popcorn

Most often caramel popcorn is a sugar and fat bomb. Here’s a much healthier option that will appease anyone with a sweet tooth.

5 Medjool dates, pitted
1/4 cup (60 mL) pure maple syrup
2 tsp (10 mL) vanilla extract 
10 cups (2.5 L) popped popcorn

Place dates in bowl, cover with warm water, and soak for 1 hour.

Place soaked dates, 2 Tbsp (30 mL) soaking liquid, maple syrup, and vanilla extract in blender and blend until smooth.

Transfer date mixture to small saucepan and heat over medium-low until warm. Pour mixture over prepared popcorn and mix well.

Serves 6.

Each serving contains: 146 calories; 2 g protein; 1 g total fat (0 g sat. fat, 0 g trans fat); 35 g total carbohydrates (22 g sugar, 3 g fibre); 3 mg sodium

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