Back to School Pipcorn Snack Mix

It's September which means it's that time of year again - back to school. Schedules are falling into place, lunches are being packed, and that back to school traffic is back in gear. So how can we beat the back to school blues? It's simple really, with this delicious Pipcorn snack mix.

Whether you're packing lunch for your kids or yourself or even just looking for a quick and easy throw together snack for an upcoming Labor Day weekend party, this mix is perfect. It has that sweet and salty combo which will have you eating by the handful. I'd honestly even eat it for dessert. 

It takes just minutes to mix together. Then all you have to do is pop it in the freezer for about an hour, and you're ready to go. It doesn't get much easier. You can even make it in a dorm room (I see you college students). So let's get started!

Here's what you'll need:

1) Two cups sea salt Pipcorn
2) 1/2 cup raw pistachio kernels, lightly chopped
3) 1/4 cup dark chocolate bing cherries, chopped (dark chocolate coated raisins work just as well)
4) 2 tbsp original Essentially Coconut coconut butter, melted

Instructions:

1) In a large bowl, combine the Pipcorn, pistachios, and dark chocolate cherries.
2) Evenly pour about half of the melted coconut butter over the top. Mix the ingredients using a spatula. Pour the rest of the coconut butter in, and mix again.
3) Cover the bowl with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and place in the freezer for about an hour until the coconut oil has solidified.
4) Using a spatula, scrape the mix off the sides of the bowl and de-clump any huge clumps of the mix. 
5) Place in a serving bowl, and enjoy!

If you aren't going to eat the mix immediately, you can store it in the fridge. If you're taking it on the go, it doesn't need to be refrigerated, as the coconut butter will stay solid as long as it isn't too hot out. If you're serving it at a party, I might suggest at least doubling the recipe because it will be gone pretty quickly, trust me!

Let me know how you use this snack mix and what you think in the comments below!

Pipcorn Dessert Bars

I was recently introduced to Pipcorn, delicious, mini popcorn that is all natural, gluten free, and non-gmo just to name a few. It's so delicious (like please hide it from me or I will eat it ALL delicious) and not to mention cute! So I decided to play around with it.

Instantly I thought to go the savory route because that's just how I'm wired, but then I thought maybe I should challenge myself a little. I pretty much never share dessert recipes on here (something I need to change), so I figured why not! The Sea Salt Pipcorn would pair perfectly with some sweet goodies, so why not make it all into a bar. This bar is packed with flavor and the perfect snack or dessert. Bring it to your next party, and it'll definitely be a crowd pleaser!

Here's What You'll Need:

-4 cups Sea Salt Pipcorn
-1 cup dried (sour) cherries
-1 cup Purely Pecans roasted pecans, chopped
-1/4 cup Wedderspoon Manuka Honey
-8 squares Alter Eco Dark Salted Burnt Caramel Chocolate, separated

Instructions:

1) Chop up 5 of the chocolate squares.
2) In a bowl, mix together the Pipcorn, cherries, pecans, and chopped chocolate pieces.
3) Add in the honey and mix completely so that it is evenly dispersed.
4) Line a rectangular baking sheet or dish with wax or parchment paper (using a smaller dish/pan 7-8" by 10-12" is the way to go because you want to the mixture to entirely cover the bottom).
5) Pour the the mixture into the dish, and evenly ditribute it with a spatula.
6) Pop the dish into the freezer for at least 30 minutes.
7) Melt the remaining dark chocolate pieces on the stove top or in the microwave. Be very careful not to burn it.
8) Remove the dish from the freezer, and drizzle the melted chocolate all over the top.
9) Place back in the freezer for at least another 30 minutes.
10) Remove from the freezer, cut the mix into bars, and serve.

This combination of flavors is just perfect, and it really gives a different, healthier dessert option. They're also a great snack! if you let the bars warm at room temperature for a bit, they also turn into a delicious trail mix-like snack. Let me know what you think in the comments below!