The Hanging Spoon

Grow. Cook. Share.

  • Home
  • About Me
  • Recipes
  • Contact
You are here: Home / Schools & Gardens / Love Healthy: Homemade Popcorn with Strawberry Dust and Valentine’s Craft for Kids

Love Healthy: Homemade Popcorn with Strawberry Dust and Valentine’s Craft for Kids

February 5, 2015 By Donna Castellano 17 Comments

Spread the love
  •  
  •   
  •  
  •  
  •  

When Alli, from Don’t Panic Mom, approached me with the brilliant idea of teaming up with other healthy food bloggers to create a campaign called LOVE HEALTHY, I jumped at the chance to be involved!  Together our mission is to promote healthier alternatives to celebrating Valentine’s Day, whether at home or at school.

For me, Valentine’s Day is more about showing the LOVE you have for someone special, rather than pumping the sweet artificial stuff.  While a sweet treat is perfectly ok now and then, most people (especially our kids) are already over-consuming sugars and artificial ingredients on a daily basis. We certainly don’t need a special holiday for it.  So, why not get a little creative and make the treats a bit healthier, tastier AND more fun this year?!

Kids love popcorn and making it from scratch at home can be a really fun family event!  I’ve really gotten into using my popcorn kettle at home, especially since there has been safety concerns related to chemicals in microwaveable popcorn bags.  So, I’ve switched to making homemade popcorn (for the most part).  This Whirley Pop popcorn maker is just the best!  It’s cheap, easy to use and makes fresh popcorn in about 3 minutes flat (and that’s about the equivalent of my attention span)!

The Hanging Spoon

The magic really happens when you add the strawberry dust!  I pulverized freeze-dried strawberries (you can find them in most grocery stores like Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods) in my food processor and used a sifter to dust it over the popcorn to give it that special Valentine’s touch, without the use of anything artificial!  So pretty!

The Hanging Spoon

Kids can decorate pint-sized cardboard cartons (I picked these up at Michael’s) with stamps, crayons, stickers or markers and make little treat bags for their friends or use as Valentine’s Day school party favors.

The Hanging Spoon

If you don’t want to make the popcorn you can buy plain bagged popcorn (SkinnyPop is a great brand with no artificial ingredients) and add the strawberry dust at home.  The flavor combinations are endless.  I added in some cacao nibs and coconut to one batch and created a whole different level of yummy goodness!  You could combine the popcorn with…

dark chocolate chips,

cranberries or raisins,

dried fruit,

pretzels,

nuts and seeds,

whole grain cereal (to make a something like a trail mix).

My daughter thought it was the coolest thing!  I think your kids will LOVE it too!

The Hanging Spoon
The Hanging Spoon

For more ideas at home or at school, follow me and other LOVE HEALTHY bloggers:

Stacy from School Bites, Jill from Just the Right Byte, Kia from Today I Ate A Rainbow, Sally from Real Mom Nutrition, Natalie & Amy from Super Healthy Kids, Bri From Red, Round, Green, and Bettina from The Lunch Tray.

as we will be posting for the next two weeks leading up to Valentine’s Day!

Visit the LOVE HEALTHY Facebook or Pinterest Page!

LoveHealthy

Save Print
Homemade Popcorn with Strawberry Dust
Author: The Hanging Spoon
Cook time:  5 mins
Total time:  5 mins
Serves: 4-6 large servings
 
Ingredients
  • ½ cup organic popcorn kernels
  • 3 tbsp coconut or canola oil
  • 1.2 oz bag of freeze dried strawberries
  • 2 tsp. confectioners sugar
  • ¼ tsp sea salt
Instructions
  1. Add strawberries, sugar and salt to food processor and pulse until most of strawberries are pulverized into a powder and ingredients are combined.
  2. Add oil and kernels to a large pot (6 quarts or more) and cover with tight fitting lid (or use popcorn maker and follow instructions).
  3. Turn heat to medium and begin to slide and shake the pot back and forth over the burner until the kernels will begin to pop (after about 2 minutes).
  4. Keep sliding/shaking pot until popping begins to slow down then remove from heat.
  5. Wait until popcorn has stopped popping before removing lid.
  6. Transfer popcorn to bowl.
  7. Spoon strawberry powder into a sifter and sprinkle on top of popcorn.
3.2.2885

 

Filed Under: Schools & Gardens, Snacks, Uncategorized Tagged With: love healthy, popcorn, strawberry, Valentine's Day

About Donna Castellano

« Vanilla Bean Green Smoothie with Healing Spices
The Best Whole Grain Pancakes {with Bananas, Coconut and Granola} »

Comments

  1. Alli says

    February 5, 2015 at 1:50 pm

    Super creative. I can’t wait to try this. I think I’ll use freeze dried raspberries, too!

    Reply
    • Donna Castellano says

      February 5, 2015 at 2:33 pm

      The beauty is you can use any freeze dried fruit to flavor the popcorn!

      Reply
  2. Adrienne Hoban says

    February 5, 2015 at 2:07 pm

    What a unique idea…love this! And the presentation is just adorable!

    Reply
    • Donna Castellano says

      February 5, 2015 at 2:33 pm

      Thanks Adrienne! I had fun creating this one!

      Reply
  3. Monica Dubsky says

    February 5, 2015 at 4:46 pm

    Oh my goodness this is bliss! What a lovely and simple recipe, perfect for valentines & healthy. Who cannot like this?!
    Monica

    Mama Bee Simple
    http://mamabeesimple.blogspot.com
    http://facebook.com/mamabeesimple

    Reply
    • Donna Castellano says

      February 5, 2015 at 6:50 pm

      Monica, you’re so sweet! Thanks so much!! Hope you enjoy!

      Reply
  4. Heather says

    February 5, 2015 at 6:00 pm

    Would it turn out made with popcorn popped without oil? Would the mixture still stick? (and taste good)?

    Reply
    • Donna Castellano says

      February 5, 2015 at 6:47 pm

      Sarah and Aubrey….Yes, I think it would work just as fine! The strawberry dust doesn’t need the oil to stick. I would however sprinkle it on while it’s still warm but not very hot.

      Reply
    • Donna Castellano says

      February 5, 2015 at 9:24 pm

      Heather, depending on what oil you use it may impart some flavor, but the dust should still adhere to the popcorn if you put it on while it’s still warm.

      Reply
  5. Sarah says

    February 5, 2015 at 6:40 pm

    If I use an air popper to pop the popcorn, will the dust still stick to it?

    Reply
  6. Aubrey says

    February 5, 2015 at 6:45 pm

    did you have to add anything to get the stuff to stick to the popcorn. I plan to airpop mine? Thx,

    Reply
  7. Donna Castellano says

    February 5, 2015 at 11:51 pm

    For those of you with air poppers, you could probably spay on some oil after it’s popped, gently toss then add the strawberry dust. Haven’t tried this method but I’m sure it will work fine.

    Reply
  8. Emily says

    March 4, 2015 at 6:29 pm

    My 2 year old a I just made about 10 minutes ago and it’s almost gone!!!! It is delicious. Perfect mixture of sweet and tangy!!! Definitely going to try it with other fruits.

    Reply
    • Donna Castellano says

      March 4, 2015 at 6:58 pm

      I’m so glad you liked it! So many different real fruit flavors to experiment with! 🙂 Have fun!

      Reply
  9. Jessica says

    January 30, 2017 at 6:56 pm

    How would you make this with pre-popped popcorn like SkinnyPop?

    Reply
  10. Jessica says

    January 30, 2017 at 6:56 pm

    How would you make this with pre-popped popcorn like SkinnyPop?

    Reply
    • Donna Castellano says

      January 31, 2017 at 6:09 pm

      Hi Jessica. Just dust on top. You can probably spray a little olive oil or coconut oil over the popcorn first if you want it to stick a little better.

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Rate this recipe:  

Welcome! I'm Donna Castellano, registered dietitian nutritionist, wife, mom, food photographer and blogger. Here you'll find deliciously simple plant-based meals for you and your family.

Read More >>

CONNECT WITH ME

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Categories

Archives

Never Miss A Post – Receive blog posts straight to your inbox

Hey friends! What a gorgeous sunny, weekend here Hey friends! What a gorgeous sunny, weekend here in NJ! And how about that heat?! 🥵 We almost melted at the beach today! Speaking of heat and sun, there are ways we can care for our skin through diet. There are some key nutrients that play a big role in keeping skin cells hydrated and that help with skin cell growth and repair- like after a hot day at the beach! Check out my latest blog post to find out how this delicious Heirloom Tomato and Basil Seed Salad can help boost your intake of these nutrients! Click the link in profile for the recipe! ........................... #farmersmarket #jerseyfresh #njphotographer #summer #tomatoes #redbanknj #plantbased #vegan #vegetarian #food52 #feedfeed #foodtographyschool #healthylifestyle #tastingtable #huffposttaste #foodphotography #monmouthmoms #foodandwinemagazine #bonappetit #howisummer
Happy Friday everyone! If your stuck at home awai Happy Friday everyone! If your stuck at home awaiting a tropical storm like I am, maybe check out my latest post! Regular jams contain enormous amounts of ADDED sugars (not talking about the natural sugar found in the fruit). This blueberry lemon jam is made with just a touch of maple syrup and simmered just a bit longer to get that perfect jammy consistency. All you need are 3 ingredients and a little bit of time! Drizzle over ice cream, pancakes, waffles or use in overnight oats or savory grilled cheese sandwiches! Get the recipe for this naturally sweet jam on the blog today! ..................... #jam #blueberries #summer #lowsugar #fruit #huffposttaste #foodphotography #foodtographyschool #healthy #vegetarian #plantbased #feedfeed #food52grams #monmouthcounty #redbanknj #foodblog #thekitchn #jerseyfresh #njfoodphotography
Although this 4th of July will be different than m Although this 4th of July will be different than many of us are used to, that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy some good food! This festive red, white and blue popcorn gets its color from freeze dried blueberries and strawberries. It’s slightly sweet and salty with a burst of fruity flavor from the berries. Get the recipe on the blog now! Have a healthy and safe 4th of July! 🇺🇸 ................................... #fourthofjuly #popcorn #summer #fruit #naturallyflavored #redwhiteandblue #huffposttaste #yahoofood #healthyappetizers #healthykids #monmouthcounty #jerseyshore #food52grams #feedfeed #foodtographyschool
Hey there! I’ve recently been doing some celebr Hey there! I’ve recently been doing some celebrating over here. From Father’s Day and birthdays to graduations- it’s been an exciting 2 weeks! My oldest just turned 18 and my youngest just graduated 8th grade and is going to high school. 🥺 Like what?! How’d that happen?! I’ve been experiencing so many emotional ups and downs lately. Reflecting back on those early years of parenting I have to say all the hard work, tears and exhaustion pay off when you can look at your kid (who is now a legal adult) and say “wow, I raised a great human being”! It’s an amazing accomplishment! Anyway, since I’ve had one too many celebratory pieces of cake and such, it was time to get back on track. I created this salad for lunch the other day and I’m sharing it with you on the blog today! It’s got the natural sweetness of summer strawberries combined with the nutty wholesome goodness of quinoa and chickpeas! It will definitely get you out of any lunch slump you might be in! Link to the recipe in profile! Have a great weekend everyone! ........................................................... #salad #plantbased #vegan #vegetarian #parenting #monmouthcountymoms #monmouthcountynj #healthy #tastingtable #strawberry #summer #huffposttaste #thekitchn #food52grams #feedfeed
Hey friends! These Pineapple Yogurt Popsicles are Hey friends! These Pineapple Yogurt Popsicles are new on the blog today! They’ve got a refreshing tropical vibe perfect for summer weekends! Click the link in my profile to get the recipe and check out how easy they are to make! ☀️🌴🍍 •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• #food52 #thefeedfeed #summer #popsicles #foodblog #healthy #vegetarian #pineapple #tropicalvibes #easyrecipes #plantbased #thekitchn #healthyaperture #huffposttaste #tastingtable #foodgawker #foodie
Hey there! Hope you all had a great MDW. I’ve Hey there! Hope you all had a great MDW. I’ve got focaccia on my mind this week!! Who wouldn’t love to sink their teeth into these pillowy slices of heaven?! I’ve got a recipe for you that’s so easy you’ll wonder why your wasting your time with banana bread 😂! Recipe for my Tomato, Herb and Fennel Focaccia is on the blog today! Click the link in my profile. Enjoy! ___Donna • • #focaccia #vegetarian #recipes #foodblog #summer #feedfeed #food52grams #foodtography #bread #pizza #huffposttaste #tastingtable #foodgawker #quarantinefood
Happy Wednesday! Just a few more days until the f Happy Wednesday! Just a few more days until the first unofficial weekend of summer! Why not kick it off with this delicious, colorful Mango, Corn and Black Bean Salad?! Recipe is up on the blog now! You don’t want to miss this one! • #summer #salad #blackbeans #mexican #vegan #vegetarian #plantbased #food52grams #feedfeed #mango #mexican #foodblogger #healthyaperture #foodandnutritionmagazine @foodtographyschool
Sunday dinners in our house usually involve some s Sunday dinners in our house usually involve some sort of pasta dish. One of my favorites is this Pasta alla Norma, made with whole wheat spaghetti, eggplant and topped with thin slices of ricotta salata. You can find the recipe on the blog under “pasta”. What are your favorite pasta dishes?? • • #pasta #sunday #summer #eggplant #vegetarian #plantbased #foodphotography #familydinner #quarantinelife #healthy #healthylifestyle #feedfeed #food52grams
Stop right there! Before you toss those over ripe Stop right there! Before you toss those over ripe bananas you’ve got to check out my latest post! Yup that’s right, it’s nice cream! It’s frozen, creamy and luscious and it’s made with real vanilla beans! Can you smell it!? Ahhh!! Recipe is on the blog now or get the link here ➡️ https://thehangingspoon.com/3-ingredient-vanilla-bean-nice-cream/ ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• #nicecream #bananas #plantbased #vegan #vegetarian #frozendessert #summer #dessert #feedfeed #food52grams #healthyliving #foodphotography #foodbloggerlifestyleblogger
Follow on Instagram

Never Miss A Post – Receive blog posts straight to your inbox

CONNECT WITH ME

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

DISCLAIMER

The information on this blog is for general nutrition education purposes and is not intended to treat specific individual medical and nutritional needs.

The Hanging Spoon ™. All rights reserved.