Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Blue Diamond Almonds. All opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting companies and brands that support Floating Kitchen.
Hi Friends! It’s been a while since we’ve shared this space together. I’ve missed you all so much. And for my own self esteem, I’m going to tell myself that you’ve missed me too.
I guess I haven’t been feeling particularly motivated to create new recipes lately. Part of that is due to the fact that it’s as hot as Hades outside. All I want to do is sit down with a big spoon and half a watermelon in my lap. And I’m pretty sure nobody needs a recipe for that.
Also, I’ve just been feeling generally “blue” these past couple of weeks. And I find it hard to be creative when I’ve got a case of the “blahs”. But I think I’ve finally started to turn the corner towards a happier mental state. Last weekend I traveled to Minnesota to spend some time with the most awesome boss ladies that I know, and that definitely helped to lift my spirits. I’ll write more about our weekend together later on this month, but in the meantime, if you want to see what kinds of trouble we got ourselves into, you can take a peak at the hashtag #bossbabefestMSP on the Instagram machine.
The day before I jetted off to the Midwest, I made up a big batch of this Tropical Popcorn Snack Mix to take along with me. Because traveling is hard and stressful enough as it is. I don’t need to throw feelings of extreme hunger into the mix. And the stuff that’s available to eat at most airports generally isn’t the healthiest. My motto: never leave home without food and water.
Making your own snack mix at home is a serious must-do. Because not only do you have the power to control the overall levels of salt, fat and sugar in your recipe. But you also get to make sure you’ve got all your favorite ingredients represented. Personally, I find that store-bought snack mixes never have enough chocolate for my taste. So I made sure to throw in enough Blue Diamond Dark Chocolate Oven Roasted Almonds to satisfy my cravings. Oh and don’t skip the lime zest here. It totally makes this Tropical Popcorn Snack Mix pop!
Blue Diamond Almonds is the Official Snack Nut of USA Swimming. And I’m guessing the USA Swimming Team would never leave home without healthy snacks. Because you can’t be your best self when you’re hangry!
Cheers,
Liz
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Blue Diamond Almonds. Blue Diamond Almonds understands what it takes to be the best. That’s why we’re proud to be an official sponsor of USA Swimming. Visit www.LaneToGreatness.com for a chance to win $5,000 to fuel your dreams of greatness (whatever they may be), get Blue Diamond Almonds coupons and recipes, and more!
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 1/2 cup yellow corn kernels
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- Zest from 1 lime
- 2 cups pretzel twists
- 2 cups dried banana chips
- 1 cup baked coconut chips
- 1 (5 ounce) package Dark Chocolate Blue Diamond Almonds
Instructions
- Heat the coconut oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 3-4 corn kernels, cover the pot and listen for them to pop. Once they have popped, quickly and carefully add the remaining 1/2 cup of corn kernels to the pot and sprinkle the tops with the granulated sugar. Immediately cover the pot and reduce the heat to medium-low. Shake the pot back and forth over the heat, making sure to hold down the lid, continuing to do so until the popping has slowed down considerably. Remove the pot from the heat.
- Carefully remove the lid from the pot and transfer the popcorn into a large bowl. Add the salt and the lime zest, tossing the popcorn as you sprinkle it in so it gets evenly distributed.
- Once the popcorn has mostly cooled, stir in the pretzel twists, banana chips, coconut chips and almonds. Serve and enjoy.
- This popcorn snack mix is best when enjoyed the day that it’s made, but it can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days.
Glad you’re back Liz! I totally get it though. It’s tough to get motivated when all you want to do is sit back and enjoy the summer! Sounds like you had a fun trip to the Midwest! Hanging with girlfriends can always lift your spirits! I love making my own snack mixes and this tropical spin sounds wonderful! Can’t wait to try. Hope your weekend’s awesome!
Thanks, Mary Ann. I hope you have a fabulous weekend as well! XOXO!
Sending all the happy vibes your way lady friend! Gathering with friends can sometimes be the cure to all the ails of life, especially when they are so lovely. I’m all about the snacks right now, especially since I’ve been bad at prepping for dinners, so maybe I sometimes eat them for a meal? Don’t judge me 🙂 xoxo
Thanks, girl. Yeah, dinner has been tough for me too because it’s so hot by the end of the day. I can’t even deal. I’m just as happy eating snack foods for dinner!
BIG, BIG hugs coming your way! I think we all need to give ourselves permission to rest right sometimes, and I’m glad that you did. It looks like you ladies had a lot of fun, and I LOVE those flower crowns your all made!!!
P.S. Always feel free to bug me if you need someone to chat with!
Aww..thanks, girl. You rock. And those flower crowns were just so pretty. I felt like a princess. I want to wear one everyday!
Those dark chocolate almonds are my addiction- and I am totally loving the tropical vibes here 🙂
I can’t get enough of their chocolate almonds. So good!
Love the tropical twist to this Liz and wish I had a big bowl of it right now.
Thank you, Matt!
I can’t wait to hear about your trip! I get cases of the blues and understand why it would make you go a bit quiet around here (for the record, I totally missed seeing your recipes). My daughter would love this snack mix for our movie nights!
Aww…thanks, friend. That means so much. XOXO!
Love, love love this snack mix, Liz! No doubt making your own is the best.. incorporating whole ingredients and mixing up all the little treats you love is the best! I like to buy in bulk and that helps keep the costs down. I loooove this snack mix and those dark chocolate almonds are over the top! I gotta try them. I’ve been following your trip on IG and can’t wait to hear more about it! What a fabulous opportunity to recharge, be inspired and spend time with you blogging friends IRL. I’m happy to hear your feeling better… I get in those funks too. Feeling uninspired, it is hard to share new content or get excited about anything. Although I and I know your readers missed you, it’s good that you take breaks and time for yourself when you need it. Hugs and Love, xo
Thanks for the lovely words, Traci! You always make me feel great. And I appreciate our online friendship. And I hope for an IRL friendship soon! XOXO!