Elyse Kopecky's Spiced Popcorn "Granola"

Subbing popcorn for oats makes this a gluten-free snack mix that’s a cross between trail mix and granola. If you crave salty and sweet snacks, this recipe’s got your back. It’s loaded with healthy fats and nuts and seeds to keep you full longer.

Popping your own kernels is easy—follow the simple directions below. And, bonus: You’ll have enough popcorn for this recipe and movie night. For more snack ideas (gluten-free and otherwise), check out these healthy combos.

Pop Your Own Kernels

This will make 10 to 14 cups of popcorn (depending on size of kernel and your popping skills). You’ll have little extra popcorn for immediate snacking, or save the extra popcorn for movie night.

Ingredients

3 Tbsp. virgin coconut oil (or extra-virgin olive oil)
½ cup popcorn kernels

Directions

1. Heat the oil in a large heavy bottomed pan with a lid over high heat. Add the kernels, cover tightly with the lid, and give the pan a little shake to spread out the kernels. When the popping really gets going turn the heat down to medium low and give the pan another shake.
2. When the popping slows to just one kernel at a time, remove the pan from heat but keep covered for another minute until the popping stops. Carefully remove lid. Prevent the moisture on the lid from dripping back onto the popcorn. Transfer popcorn to a large bowl to cool.