Photo by Pornchai Mittongtare

Makes 16-20 / No toy surprise with these healthy Cracker Jack imitations — the reward comes from a deliciously sweet treat with no refined sugar, butter, or artificial ingredients. Because they contain no granulated sugar, these are softer than caramel corn.

6 cups popped corn (about ¼ cup unpopped)

⅔ cup chopped almonds

¼ cup grain-sweetened chocolate chips (optional)

¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons agave nectar

½ cup plus 1 tablespoon almond butter or tahini

½ teaspoon salt

1. Mix popcorn, almonds, and chocolate chips (if using) in a large mixing bowl. Heat agave nectar, almond butter or tahini, and salt in a small saucepan over medium heat. Once syrup starts to get light, frothy, and bubbly, cook and stir constantly for another 30 seconds. Pour syrup over popcorn and mix with a wooden spoon until incorporated. Let cool completely.
2. When cooled, press small handfuls into balls with your fingers. These will keep for 2-3 days, covered, at room temperature.

PER SERVING: 124 cal, 59% fat cal, 9g fat, 1g sat fat, 0mg chol, 2g protein, 11g carb, 1g fiber, 114mg sodium

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