Title: Popcorn Kicks Off Big Game Snacking!
Recipe: Caramel Almond Popcorn Clusters, Touchdown Treat, Tex Mex Mix
Author: The Popcorn Board (no credit needed)
Suggested Feature Month: February
Word Count: 487, including recipes
Supporting Photo: Caramel Almond Popcorn Clusters
A high-resolution copy may be obtained by downloading directly from the About Us>Media>Popcorn Photos section of this Web site. This copyrighted photo is available for editorial use only, and may not be used in advertisements or for resale. If photo credit is given, please credit The Popcorn Board.

Popcorn Kicks Off Big Game Snacking

Football fans are gearing up for the hottest event of the season and will come hungry for plenty of great action…and super snacks! Parties surrounding the big game have become coveted annual events where friends gather for an afternoon of pre-game festivities before hunkering down for the coin toss and kickoff. If you’re hosting the party this year, you’ll need to tackle your menu early on and bring an outstanding lineup to the table. Not all of your guests will stay focused on the game, but everyone will focus on the food, especially during commercial breaks!

Variety is the key. Offer foods that range from spicy to savory to sweet; hot to cold; and healthy to decadent to satisfy all. Here are some great popcorn recipes that’ll prove winners for your crowd.

Caramel Almond Popcorn Clusters

10 cups freshly popped popcorn
2 cups whole almonds
1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup butter or margarine
1/4 cup light corn syrup
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 teaspoon almond extract
1/2 teaspoon baking soda

• Preheat oven to 225 degrees. Spray 15 x 10 baking sheet with non-stick spray. Mix popcorn and almonds in large bowl.
• Combine brown sugar, butter and corn syrup in medium saucepan. Over low heat, stir mixture until sugar dissolves. Increase heat to high and boil 5 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla, almond extract and baking soda.
• Pour over popcorn and almonds, immediately stirring gently to coat. Pour mixture onto prepared baking sheet, spreading evenly.
• Bake for 1 hour in preheated oven. Cool completely. Break into pieces and store in airtight container.

Yield: 20 pieces

Nutritional Information:
(Based on a 1 piece serving)
Total calories: 210 Fat: 14 g Carbohydrate: 19 g Sugar: 14 g Fiber: 1 g Protein: 3 g
Sodium 120 mg: Cholesterol 10 mg

Touchdown Treat

• In a large buttered bowl, combine popcorn, peanuts and raisins. Keep warm.
• Combine honey, water and lemon juice in a saucepan. Bring to a boil; cook and stir over medium heat until mixture reaches 250 degrees Fahrenheit, or hard ball stage on a candy thermometer.
• Pour over popcorn; toss to mix thoroughly. Turn onto a buttered jelly roll pan or large baking pan. Bake in a preheated 300 degree oven for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Yield: 4 quarts.

Tex Mex Mix

Keep popped popcorn warm. Mix seasonings together and toss with popcorn. Add cheese and mix thoroughly.

Yield: 2 quarts.
Serving Size: 3 cups

Nutritional Information
(based on 3-cup serving)
Total Calories 90; Fat 1.8g; Saturated Fat 1g;
Carbohydrate 16.5g; Fiber 2.4g; Protein 3.6g; Sodium 39.8mg.

For more great popcorn recipes, visit www.popcorn.org.