Title: February Means Sweet Treats for Popcorn Lovers!
Author: The Popcorn Board
Suggested Feature Month: February
Word Count: 490
Supporting Photo: Yes--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.

February is a month that has been long associated with the exchange of tokens of affection—flowers, cards, sweets and gifts—between people who care for one another. This month, why not spend an afternoon with a loved one, spouse, child or friend making a scrumptious popcorn treat and sharing an experience they’ll long remember.

Popcorn is a wholesome, tasty treat that’s versatile and fun to make. It can be topped with your favorite sweet or savory topping or eaten hot out of the popper. If you haven’t recently popped popcorn in a pan or popper, or if you know someone who has never experienced this popping method, then take a few minutes for the simple pleasure of preparing the "old-fashioned" way. As the oil sizzles, you wait in anticipation of the first "pop"; then, visual mayhem erupts as these hard-cased seeds explode into soft fluffy kernels. It is simply delightful watching this bit of magic and the smell will guarantee to make your mouth water!

For today’s bustling families, spending time in the kitchen might be a rare experience and seem a bit of an indulgence. But you’ll reap many rewards from this time together. It’s often been said that the kitchen is the heart of the home. It is a warm, comforting environment where space and secrets are shared, creativity is unleashed and teamwork coalesces. The senses stir as you work in the kitchen, aromas rouse the appetite and in the end you’re able to fulfill some deep-seated needs.

Adults and children alike will enjoy making this recipe for popcorn balls. This classic treat requires buttered hands for the final shaping step—yet another sensory experience.

Pop-a-rific Popcorn Balls
Courtesy of the Popcorn Board
Yields 14 balls

3 quarts popped popcorn, unsalted
1 (1-lb.) pkg. Marshmallows
1/4 cup butter or margarine

Optional:
Milk chocolate
Chopped Nuts
Food coloring

Place popped popcorn in a large bowl. In a large saucepan, cook marshmallows and butter or margarine over low heat until melted and smooth*. Pour over popcorn, tossing gently to mix well. Cool five minutes. Butter hands well and form 2 1/2 inch balls or, for a seasonal variation, shape in a buttered heart form.

• you can add nuts by rolling the newly formed ball, still slightly warm, in chopped nuts.
• try melting chocolate over a double boiler and then drizzling over the popcorn balls for a more decadent variation.
• to color the popcorn balls, add a few drops of food coloring to the smooth marshmallow mixture. Mix well to distribute color evenly, then pour over popcorn as instructed.

Visit www.popcorn.org for more great popcorn recipes.

Whichever popcorn recipe you choose to make, make time with love ones this month to let them know how much you care. Spend time in the kitchen, popping up a "sense-ational" popcorn treat and memories to last a lifetime.