popcorn trail mix

Trail mix gets a new twist with popcorn!   Salty popcorn, tart cranberries, crunchy nuts and chewy dried fruit make the perfect combination; add lightly drizzled semi-sweet chocolate and you have a decadent snack {and it's perfect for a child's birthday party treat bag}. This super simple trail mix can include any of your family favorites (pretzels, dried cherries, raisins, apricots); I’ve listed our favorite combination, but the recipe is very easily modified. Get poppin’!

8 cups popped popcorn*
1/2 cup honey roasted nuts
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup dried banana chips
1/2 cup m&m's
1/4 cup sunflower seeds

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

1. Line a cookie sheet with waxed paper.
2. Place the popcorn on the paper.
3. Evenly top the popcorn with the nuts, cranberries, banana chips, m&m's and sunflower seeds.
4. Place the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl.  Microwave for 30 seconds.  Stir and microwave for an additional 30-40 seconds.  Drizzle over popcorn and toppings.
5. Allow chocolate to harden.  Break into pieces and keep in an air-tight container.

* I usually make my own popcorn and add salt.  I also have made it with Trader Joe's Organic Popcorn with Olive Oil and it works great.