Peanut butter and jelly. Currier and Ives. Lennon and McCartney. Bill and Hillary. Some things just seem to go together. This chocolate recipe combines two of my favorites: popcorn and chocolate.

As we enter 2009, the parties and festivities will be in full swing. As you may know, Chocolate is a well known stimulant. Chocolate contains small amounts of caffeine and theobromine. In small doses, caffeine has positive benefits. It increases vigilance, and stalls the symptoms of tiredness. This chocolate popcorn recipe will be a hit with your numerous family and friends, but it also will help you to stay awake while you endlessly entertain. I have found this wonderful chocolate popcorn recipe in a book published in 2007. The book is authored by Camilla V. Saulsbury and is titled, "Enlightened Chocolate". It has great information and wonderful recipes. I hope you enjoy this chocolate popcorn recipe.

New Year Chocolate Popcorn

Makes 16 Servings

8 cups air-popped popcorn (popped without salt or fat)
1/2 cup honey
1 tablespoon butter
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (not dutch process)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1. Preheat oven to 300*F. Spray a 15 X 10-inch jelly roll or other large rimmed baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. Place popcorn in a large metal or glass bowl lightly sprayed with nonstick cooking spray.

2. Combine the honey, cocoa powder, salt, and cinnamon in a saucepan over medium heat. bring to a boil, stirring just until combined.

3. Cook, without stirring, for 2 minutes. Pour honey mixture over popcorn in a steady stream, stirring to coat.

4. Spread popcorn mixture in an even layer into prepared pan. Bake 15 minutes. remove from oven, and cool completely in pan. Store in an airtight container.

Nutrition Per Serving (1/2 cup):
Calories: 55;
Fat: 1g;
Protein: .6g;
Cholesterol: 2mg;
Carbohydrate: 12g;

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