Snack Attack!

Full confession... I love snacks!  It's the only reason I enjoy watching the Super Bowl, and it's almost obligatory for me while watching movies or Netflix...The question I constantly ask is:  how can I have healthy snacks that don't suck?  So here are some pseudo-recipes of my current favorite snacks.  Hope you enjoy!

Candied pecans:  In a bowl, coat pecans with maple syrup (just enough to coat them, but if you need measurements, 2 tbsp to 1 cup pecans is a good start).  Bake at 350 for 15 minutes (on a parchment paper-lined sheet if you don't want a mess), flipping halfway through.  Please note that these are highly addictive, so be careful not to eat too many at once!

"Cheesy" popcorn:  Okay, so I make popcorn on the stove with oil...*gasp*.  It's still healthier than that junk you get in a bag, or at the movie theater.   Take a small kettle, put ~1 tbsp of peanut oil in with one popcorn kernel.  Turn the heat on high but not all the way...maybe an 8 out of 11?  Close the lid...when the kernel pops, coat the bottom *almost* completely with more kernels.  Keep the lid closed, but shake the kettle!  Eventually you'll have so much corn poppin', the lid will start to raise.  Sprinkle with nutritional yeast.

Air fryer plantain chips:  Find some GREEN plantains (you can try super-green bananas, but I haven't tried it myself).  Using a mandolin or your mad knife skills, cut the banana in half, then slice lengthwise in 1-2mm slices.  In a bowl, cover the slices with just a bit of olive oil.  Add seasonings and/or salt if you like.  Put in a 370deg air fryer for 15-20 minutes, or until the desired crispiness is reached.  Be SURE to flip/shake the slices often, and make sure that the chips are separated.  Eat them plain, or serve with anything you want--salsa, dip, etc.