This Post Just "Popped" Into My Mind.

Popcorn is one of those blank slate ingredients that allows your imagination to run wild. You can go sweet or savory; make it Mexican with a little chili powder or Italian with some garlic and basil. You can drizzle it with chocolate or caramel or add fruits and nuts and turn it into a trail mix. You can roll popcorn into balls or press into cakes, make it into clusters or just eat it loose out of bag, box or bowl.

Popcorn is so inexpensive; it's filling, loaded with fiber and for the most part very healthy depending on how we prepare it.

I don't believe that I have ever met anyone who doesn't like popcorn.....so get popping and start snacking!

Pizza Popcorn

1/3 c. butter

1/4 c. Parmesan cheese

1/2 tsp. garlic salt
1/2 tsp. basil

1/2 tsp. oregano

1/4 tsp. onion powder

10 c. fresh popcorn

Melt butter. Add Parmesan cheese and seasonings. Pour over popcorn in shallow baking pan. Stir to mix. Heat in preheated oven at 300 degrees for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Popcorn Cake

1 Bundt pan full of popcorn

1 (12 oz.) jar dry roasted peanuts

1 (16 oz.) pkg. M&M'S®

1 (16 oz.) pkg. marshmallows
1 stick butter

Important: Spray all utensils with a non stick spray.

In a large mixing bowl, mix popcorn, peanuts and M&M'S®. Melt butter and marshmallows together over low heat. When completely melted, pour over popcorn mixture in bowl and stir gently. Pack in Bundt pan. Let stand for 10 minutes. Turn pan over and lift off. Cake should slide right out.



Chocolate Popcorn Clusters

8 oz. semi-sweet chocolate
1 tbsp. butter
2 c. popcorn
1 c. coarsely chopped nuts

Lightly oil cookie sheet. Melt chocolate and butter over hot water in double boiler. In large bowl mix popcorn and nuts, then pour melted chocolate over, toss. Spoon candy in clusters onto oiled sheet. Store in tightly covered container in cool place, layered by wax paper or plastic wrap.

Peanut Butter Popcorn

1/4 c. sugar

1/4 c. corn syrup (light)

1/4 c. peanut butter
4 c. popcorn, popped

Combine sugar and syrup in large pan. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly until mixture comes to full boil. Remove from heat and stir in peanut butter and vanilla. Mix well. Pour over popcorn and stir until coated.