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How did I ever go five weeks without a new episode of Lost? Luckily, the wait is almost over, as it and many other of my favorite shows return this week.

With the return of those shows comes the need (or at least desire) for some easy snacks to settle in with on the couch.

Popcorn is a classic, of course, but it can easily get boring. For a healthy variety, try mixing peanuts, sunflower seeds, raisins and dried apricots or other fruit with the popcorn. For a bit of a different kick, try dusting plain popcorn with cayenne, garlic or cinnamon, or mixing it with warm pesto. For a ton of popcorn recipes, check out Popcorn.org.

If you're more into sweet than salty, Puppy Chow (also known as Muddy Buddies or White Chocolate Chex) is a great alternative to popcorn.

Puppy Chow
From the Chex Web site:
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1/2 cup Skippy peanut butter
1 package (6 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips (1 cup)
1/4 cup margarine or butter
9 cups Chex® cereal (any variety)

Measure cereal into large bowl; set aside. Microwave chocolate chips, peanut butter and margarine in 1-quart microwavable bowl, uncovered on High 1 minute; stir. Microwave 30 seconds longer or until mixture can be stirred smooth. Stir in vanilla. Pour chocolate mixture over cereal in bowl, stirring until evenly coated. Pour into large plastic food-storage bag; add powdered sugar. Seal bag; shake until well coated. Spread on waxed paper to cool. Store in airtight container in refrigerator. 9 cups snack.

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If you like a little spice in your life, a great seven-layer dip is the way to go. Traditionally served with tortilla chips, a healthy alternative is toasted pita bites.

Toasted Pita Points
From RecipesToday:

Cooking spray
3 no-added-fat pita breads, preferably whole-grain
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

Preheat oven at 350 degrees. Spray a baking sheet lightly with cooking spray. Separate top and bottom halves of pita breads. Slice each half into eight wedges. Toss pita pieces in a bowl with herbs. Spread on prepared baking sheet. Bake until crisp, about 15 minutes. Makes 4 dozen toast points, for 16 servings.

Seven-Layer Dip

1 can refried beans
1 packet taco seasoning
1 1/2 cups salsa
8-12 ounces sour cream
8-12 ounces guacamole
1- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese
3-4 ounce can of diced green chiles

Mix refried beans with packet of taco seasoning. Spread refried beans in the bottom of a (1-quart) shallow edged serving dish. Layer the salsa over the beans, the sour cream over the salsa, and the guacamole over the sour cream. Sprinkle the entire layered dip with cheddar cheese, followed by diced chiles. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. Serve with tortilla chips, or with the toasted pita points mentioned above.

OK, I realize it's not actually seven layers. I changed the original recipe, which added a layer of sliced olives before the chiles, because I abhor olives. Also, it's not the healthiest dish to begin with, but you can cut calories by using reduced fat sour cream and cheese. You can also alter the amount of each ingredient, depending on your tastes.