I have another 6-8 weeks until my due date, and then my excuse for being gigantic and eating like a college football player fly out the window (oh, if only it were that easy.)

I hope to make the most of these last weeks by squeezing in a few indulgent treats. I adore caramel popcorn, and will feature a few of my favorite recipes in the future. But last week I came across another popcorn treat from The Kitchn, via Food Blogga. Peanut butter popcorn! I loved the idea for several reasons: 1) It is slightly less toothachingly sweet than traditional caramel popcorn, 2) it uses honey instead of corn syrup, and 3) it’s not baked, so its soft and more candy-like.

It’s a snap to make (believe me, I wish it were harder so I wouldn’t be tempted to make it regularly), and is a great treat for kids. Just make sure you pick out all of the unpopped kernels prior to mixing it, so no one loses a tooth!

Peanut Butter Popcorn (from The Kitchn)

1/4 cup unpopped popcorn, yielding about 8-10 cups popped popcorn
1/2 cup honey
1/3 cup sugar
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/2 tsp vanilla
sea salt

1) Pop your popcorn by whatever means necessary. I have a whirly pop, but you could pop it in a skillet if you know how, or use a natural flavor microwave popcorn. Sort to remove all unpopped kernels.

2) Heat the honey and sugar in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, and simmer for a few minutes.

3) Remove from heat, stir in peanut butter and vanilla until very smooth.

4) Pour over popcorn, and stir until well-coated. Sprinkle with salt.

Variation: if you like nuts, a cup or two of your favorite could be mixed in with the peanut butter coating.