Happy National Popcorn Day!

Popcorn is one of my essential food groups. And like everything else on our planet, popcorn has its own day. National Popcorn Day is Friday, Jan. 19 is a day to honor one of America’s oldest and most beloved snack foods. 

Popcorn is a health food. According to the Popcorn Board, about two ounces of popcorn kernels (eight cups popped) provides nearly three services from the grain group. That amount only contains 240 calories and costs about 30 cents. That’s a pretty good snack!

However, the way I prepare it, along with millions of other people, negates popcorn’s healthy aspects. The health community says popcorn gets a bad rap when we slather the popped kernels with delicious dairy butter and salt. How else are you supposed to watch a movie - either at home or in a theatre? How is the movie house supposed to make any money if you don’t buy the corn to munch on during the film? What are you supposed to eat when binge-watching your favorite series?

Yes, I know the healthy kind (no butter or salt) is healthier for you, but it’s also tasteless.

The National Popcorn Board recently sent out some information and recipes for popcorn treats. If you’re a traditionalist and only love butter and salt as your toppings, stop reading.

If you like to try new things, this might appeal to your tastebuds: 

Cinnamon Popcorn Crunch

Ingredients

12 cups unsalted, unbuttered popped popcorn
1/3 cup chopped unsalted almonds, coarsely chopped
1/3 cup chopped unsalted cashews, coarsely chopped
1/3 cup chopped unsalted pecans, coarsely chopped
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup coconut sugar
1/2 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup brown rice syrup
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cinnamon

Directions

1. In large mixing bowl, combine popcorn, almonds, cashews and pecans.
2. In saucepan, combine butter, sugar, maple syrup, brown rice syrup, 1/4 cup water, salt and cinnamon; bring to boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Cook until mixture reaches hard crack stage (295°F).
3. Slowly pour syrup in thin stream over popcorn mixture. Toss gently to coat evenly. Let cool; break into large chunks.

Notes: Here’s a twist on a classic, sweet and crunchy snack – with maximum flavor from kisses of warm cinnamon and maple.

Nutrition Facts

Per 1 cup
Calories 250
Fat 13g
Saturated Fat 6g
Cholesterol 20mg
Sodium 290mg
Carbohydrate 31g
Fiber 2g
Sugars 19g
Protein 3g