Xylitol Caramel Corn and Giveaway From Xyloburst

I know, some of you are thinking WHAT is Xylitol?   I'll try to make it short and sweet ~ ha!

Xylitol is another HEALTHY natural (not artificial) sweetener.  It has become VERY popular in sugar free gums (and toothpaste) because xylitol actually fights tooth decay.  

One of my personal goals has been to get rid of all my sugar free (aspartame-ahhhh!) gums and switch to 100% xylitol gums/mints.  They don't hold their flavor for hours like the generic chemical laden gums but the health benefit is SUBSTANTIAL!  

Xylitol is not a no calorie sweetener like Stevia, but it has about 40% less calories than normal table sugar and is safe for diabetics  (10 calories per tsp. instead of 15)  

Today I'm going to give you a SIMPLE yummy healthy Caramel Corn recipe that was adapted by the most amazing healthy desert blog, Chocolate Covered Katie.

This is SOOOO good - you will not be disappointed!

Seriously, my kids were fighting over the fact that one kid ate more of it than the other.  I was like STOP fighting, I can make more!!  My daughters reply was this:  "I'd be happy your kids were fighting over your healthier food versions mom, it means it was a success!"  (gotta love my daughter's way of thinking!)

Healthy Caramel Popcorn (serves two people)

• 5 tbsp unpopped popcorn 
• 1/4 cup xylitol 
• 1/4 cup agave or honey 
• 1/8 tsp vanilla
• 1 Tbsp butter
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• Sprinkle of salt at at the very end (keep sampling it until it has the right balance of sweet/salty!)
• optional: any "extras" you would like (peanuts, chocolate chips etc)

Directions:

Pop popcorn.

Transfer popcorn into a large mixing bowl. In a small saucepan, combine the two sweeteners, vanilla and the butter.  Heat on low stirring occasionally, until the dry sweetener is completely dissolved. Now sprinkle in the baking soda, this will foam it up and make it easier to pour equally.   Pour this mixture over the popped corn and stir to coat. If the sauce falls to the bottom of the bowl, scoop it up and keep stirring for a full minute. Sprinkle on the salt and any extras IF you wish.

Recently I had the opportunity to try some samples of Xylitol products from Xyloburst.  They have delicious xylitol gums and mints......watermelon being one of my favorites! 

They are offering one reader a "goodie bag" with a xylitol bag and other great xylitol products worth around $50.00.  (So Fun!!!)

ENDED: comment #2 was drawn by Random.org - Thanks!!!

UPDATE:  I was also given some Xylitol Ice Chips candies that were fantastic!  Check out their site.....they have so many fun flavors including Egg Nog, Root Beer and Licorice - VERY YUMMY!! 

PS this is not a paid (sponsored post) they just sent me samples and asked if I would like to do a giveaway for you guys, of course I said yes. :-)