Nutritionist Miranda Malisani offers suggestions on healthier and allergy friendly treats for kids.

Popcorn Balls

(Makes approx 28)

Ingredients

7 Cups Popcorn (air blown or in a pot old fashioned style
1/2 Cup Almond, Sunflower or Peanut Butter
1/2 Cup Brown Rice Syrup (found at most health food stores)

Directions

1. Place the nut butter and rice syrup in a saucepan and cook over medium heat until warm, about 1 minute. You don’t want the mixture to cook or boil, just loosen up a bit so it becomes spreadable.

2. Pour the mixture over the popcorn (make sure to take out any unpopped kernels) in a bowl and with a rubber spatula or using your hands, coat the popcorn with the nut butter mixture.

3. Take a small portion (a little less than a 1/4 cup) of the popcorn mixture with slightly wet or damp hands and roll into 1 1/2 inch balls or leave the mixture loose for a great snack.