December 21, 2022 Issue, Page 9 of 30

Page Text

December 21, 2022 The Elk City News - 9 Holiday Fun with a Joyful POP FAMILY FEATURES ith countless ways to enjoy the holiday season from decorating and hosting parties to wintertime activities, it’s a perfect time to bring family and friends together for some festive fun. One simple ingredient can be your go-to for just about any tradition: popcorn, which is an inexpensive, versatile, whole grain that makes holiday occasions better, > Consider these simple seasonal ways you can let popcorn fuel your holiday adventures. Decorate Strings of popcorn and cranberries add a nostalgic touch to the family tree while making popcorn trees adds whimsy to the table. Before stringing popcorn, let it sit out for a day or two as freshly popped popcorn may be too fragile to thread without breaking. Push a threaded needle through the center of each kernel then pull the kernel to the end of the knotted thread, adding an occasional cranberry, if desired. Festive trees can be made using popcorn mixed with melted marshmallows then shaped and finished with sprinkles. Give It as a Gift Ifit’s your tum to host this year’s holiday party, popcorn makes for a perfect party favor. Pop up a delicious treat like these Cranberry Popcorn Balls, place them in pretty jars or neatly wrap them then finish each with a bow. For an added touch, include the recipe instructions and popcorn kernels in a separate container so your guests can make it at home. Enjoy It as a Snack Freshly popped popcorn is a simple and delicious snack to share after a day of shopping, caroling, sledding or decorating. You can take the holiday season up a notch with creative recipes like Gingersnap Popcorn Snack Mix, White Chocolate Peppermint Popcorn Bark and Easy, Elegant Holiday Popcorn. These treats are perfect for popping up in the morning so the snacks are ready once guests arrive. Visit Popcorn.org to find more sweet, salty and savory holiday recipe ideas. Gingersnap Popcorn Snack Mix Yield: 2 quarts » quarts popped popcorn butter-flavored nonstick cooking spray 1/3 cup granulated sugar substitute v teaspoons ground ginger 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg 1/4. teaspoon cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black or white pepper Preheat oven to 325 F. Spread popcorn on baking sheet and spray lightly with nonstick cooking spray. In small bowl, combine sugar substitute, ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves and freshly ground pepper; sprinkle evenly ‘over popcorn. Spray again with nonstick cooking spray and toss to coat evenly. Bake 7 minutes and serve warm. Easy, Elegant Holiday Popcorn Yield: 8 cups 8 cups popped popcorn 1/2 cup milk chocolate chips 1/2 cup white chocolate chips candy sprinkles On serving platter, spread popcorn in thin layer. Over double boiler or in microwave, melt milk chocolate chips. Drizzle over popcorn. Over double boiler or in microwave, melt white chocolate chips. Drizzle over popcorn. Sprinkle candy sprinkles over ‘warm, chocolate-coated popcorn. Allow drizzles to set until firm. Easy, Elegant Holiday Popcorn Cranberry Popcorn Balls Yield: 18 balls 2 cups sugar 1 cup whole berry cranberry sauce, slightly mashed 1 tablespoon grated orange peel 1/2. cup cranberry juice 1/2 cup light corn syrup 1 teaspoon vinegar 1/2 teaspoon salt 5 quarts unsalted White Chocolate Peppermint Popcom Bark popped popcorn In heavy saucepan, combine sugar, White Chocolate Peppermint Popcorn Bark ‘cranberry sauce, orange peel, cranberry Yield: 1 pound juice, com syrup, vinegar and salt. Bring to boil; lower heat and cook to 5 cups popped popcorn 250 F on candy thermometer. Mixture will bubble in pan; watch to 12. ounces white chocolate baking chips, chopped white keep from boiling over. chocolate or white candy coating Pour slowly onto hot popcorn and 1 cup crushed hard candy peppermints mix until well-coated. Cover baking pan with foil or wax paper; set aside. Let stand 5 minutes, or until mixture Place popcorn in large bowl; set aside. can easily be formed into balls. In double boiler over barely simmering water, melt chocolate, Butter hands and form into 3-inch balls. stirring until smooth, or melt according to package directions. Stir in crushed peppermints after chocolate is melted. Pour chocolate mixture over popcom mixture and stir to coat. Spread ‘onto prepared pan; cool completely. When chocolate is cooled and set, break into chunks for serving. ——— Store in airtight container at room temperature. Center Poon