Sweet and Savory Options for National Popcorn Day

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Popcorn showed up on the human culinary record about 4,000 years ago and has maintained its popular status as a healthful, gluten-free and fiber-filled snack. While every day is popcorn day for some, there is in fact an official holiday honoring it — January 19 is National Popcorn Day! Sweet and Savory Options for National Popcorn Day -

Below are two of my favorite ways to enjoy popcorn. Each half cup of kernels serves at least four people, so these recipes easily can be used for parties or a family movie night.


 CinnaPop

Ingredients

  • ½ cup popcorn kernels
  • 3 to 4 tablespoons canola oil
  • ¼ cup loosely packed brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Pour enough oil to cover the bottom of a large pot and place over medium-high heat.
  2. Drop one or two kernels into the heated oil and, once they start to pop, add the rest of the kernels and brown sugar.
  3. Cover and shake the pot continuously over the heat until kernel popping has slowed, about two minutes.
  4. Remove from heat, carefully remove cover, transfer to a large bowl and add cinnamon. Toss thoroughly for even coverage and enjoy!

ParmaPop

Ingredients

  • ½ cup popcorn kernels
  • 3 to 4 tablespoons canola oil
  • ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Pour enough oil to cover the bottom of a large pot and place over medium-high heat.
  2. Drop one or two kernels into the heated oil and, once they start to pop, add the rest of the kernels.
  3. Cover and shake the pot continuously over the heat until kernel popping has slowed, about two minutes.
  4. Remove from heat, carefully remove cover, transfer to a large bowl and add parmesan, and salt if desired. Toss thoroughly for even coverage and enjoy!
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Julie Lanford
Julie Lanford, MPH, RD, LDN, is wellness director for Cancer Services, Inc., in Winston-Salem, N.C. She blogs at CancerDietitian.com and can be found on Facebook and Twitter.