Zebra Popcorn

I was grocery shopping a few weeks ago when I came across a sample table filled with different types of gourmet popcorn.  When I asked the clerk which was the most popular, she handed me a sample of Zebra Popcorn.  I took one bite and though I had died and gone to popcorn heaven - caramel corn drizzled with white and dark chocolate.  Wow - I rushed home to make a batch for a sleepover one of the kids was having - it was a huge hit.  I don't really have a recipe per se, but here's how you make it.

Zebra Popcorn

Printable Recipe

Ingredients

• prepared caramel corn

• high quality white chocolate, melted (tempered if possible, but not necessary)

• high quality dark chocolate, melted (tempered if possible, but not necessary)

Directions

1. Place a single layer of caramel corn on a parchment lined sheet pan.

2. Gently melt the white chocolate and drizzle it over the popcorn.

3. Gently melt the dark chocolate and drizzle it over the white chocolate.

4. Allow the chocolate to set before enjoying. Serve with plenty of napkins.

(affiliate links)

Chocolate Applesauce Muffins

Little ButterYum made these muffins for me on Mother's Day.  What a wonderful treat they were.  Thank you, my love!   

Cream the butter and sugar together in the bowl of a stand mixer (or use a hand-held mixer).

Use the paddle attachment or, even better, a BeaterBlade attachment!  If you love to bake, do yourself a favor on get a BeaterBlade.  It eliminates the pesky task of having to scrape down the sides of your mixing bowl.  Love, love, love this thing!

Add the applesauce, eggs, and sifted cocoa powder. 

Mix until incorporated.  Don't worry if the mixture looks a little curdled - it's fine.

Add the flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda; mix until no traces of flour remain.

Mmm, mmm.... time to dish it up.

I use a rounded #20 scoop to portion the batter into a professional muffin pan that is lined with these awesome grease-proof liners that I've absolutely fallen in love with.  I especially love using them for chocolate muffins and cupcakes - they make my baked goods look so rich and decadent!  

Using a portion scoop is neat and tidy... and all my muffins are going to turn out the same size.  Win-win!  

Items used to make this recipe:

(affiliate links)

• professional muffin pan https://amzn.to/3HRkM1l

• brown grease-proof paper liners https://amzn.to/3hFWRHB

• #20 portion scoop https://amzn.to/3Wq72zj

• high quality dutch-processed cocoa powder https://amzn.to/3G0Jpax

• beaterblade attachment https://amzn.to/3FISCTw

• heavy duty stand mixer https://amzn.to/3v2Pv3Z

• nonstick baking spay https://amzn.to/3HOp3Th

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Chocolate Applesauce Muffins

Printable Recipe

makes 18 (140 calories each, not including optional mini chocolate chips)

Ingredients

• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature

• 2/3 cup granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1/2 cup Dutch-processed cocoa powder, sifted

• 1 1/2 cups applesauce

• 1 3/4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350F.

2. Prepare a 12-cup muffin pan with non-stick baking spray or paper liners.

3. Cream butter and sugar together until light in color, about 2 minutes.

4. Add eggs, cocoa powder, and applesauce; mix until smooth.

5. Add remaining dry ingredients and mix just until combined (don't over mix).

6. Use a heaping #20 portion scoop to fill cups about 3/4 full.

7. Bake 22-25 minutes or just until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a couple crumbs attached.

8. Cool 5 minutes before removing from pan, placing on cooling rack to cool completely.

adapted from The Low GI Diet Cookbook