if you're gonna cheat... do it right.

I know, I know... it's Valentine's Day! How... sweet. Not only does this mean there is an influx of sappy Facebook statuses and an an overwhelming abundance of red and pink flowers, it ALSO means there WILL be an exorbitant  amount of chocolate. And caramel. And ice cream. And cake. And... well, really anything that's sweet. WHAT ARE WE SUPPOSED TO DO!? It's just not fair. How can anyone be "good" and still enjoy this holiday? It's tricky... but it's doable. Don't count yourself out of the game just yet, guys! Feast your eyes on MY all-time FAVORITE "cheating culprit"...

DARK CHOCOLATE-DRIZZLED POPCORN
So... grab yourself a box of the "Smart Pop" popcorn, and pop a full bag in the microwave. (Make sure you don't burn it!) Lay out wax paper on the counter top or table, and spread the popcorn out in an even, non-clumpy way. Get a half cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips (you can use whatever kind of chocolate you prefer) and put in a heat-resistant, glass bowl. With the stove-top burner on medium heat, place a saucepan with water on the burner. Allow water to heat; this usually takes around 4-5 minutes. Once water is simmering, place glass bowl on top of saucepan, making sure the glass bowl is not touching the simmering water. Heat chocolate chips until melted. DO NOT over-melt the chocolate! It will get chunky and tasted burnt. After the chocolate is melted, removed from the stove, and using a tablespoon, drizzle the chocolate over the popcorn on the wax paper. You can add a pinch of sea salt to the still melted chocolate once it is on the popcorn to give it that sweet and salty taste, but it really just depends on what you like! Let the popcorn stand so the chocolate will set; this usually takes around 15-20 minutes. All that's left is to place it in a big bowl and enjoy! This little snack is EXTREMELY low in calories, fat, sugar and sodium! Enjoy!
*this popcorn is BEST enjoyed while watching "The Proposal". (a little plug for my all-time favorite romantic comedy!)

... and then AFTER you "indulge" (if you can even call it that!), go for a romantic walk with your Sweetie! Doesn't that sound like a perfect evening? A little popcorn, Ryan Reynolds, and a nice brisk walks? Sounds like LOVE to me!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY, everyone! :) Love on all of your loved ones.
Bethany