Title: A Hole in One: Popcorn for Pops!
Recipe: Double Chocolate Popcorn Balls
Author: The Popcorn Board (no credit needed)
Suggested Feature Month: June
Word Count: 465, including recipe
Supporting Photo: Double Chocolate Popcorn Ball on a "tee." 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.
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A Hole in One: Popcorn for Pops!

He taught you how to master the pop fly, held his breath as you popped a wheelie, nearly popped his buttons with pride when you made the honor roll and did not pop his top when you told him about the scratch in the car. He's your pop.

This Father's Day, tell the guy who's been there for you-through thick and thin and skinned shins-just how much you love him. Better yet, show him how much you care, by spending time with dear old dad. Add a yummy popcorn treat, and you've created the perfect celebration for Father's Day, June 20.

Pack a picnic and head to the zoo or other favorite outdoor spot with camera in hand to capture these golden moments. Or, plan a friendly family competition at the local miniature golf range. However you decide to spend time together, be sure to take a batch of Double Chocolate Popcorn Balls along. The children will have pops laughing out loud as they relate their adventures in the kitchen making this decedent treat for dad.

Rainy day? Perfect your golf game at an indoor driving range. Or stay at home and enjoy your popcorn goodies and time together playing a board game or watching old family movies. No matter what activity you choose, it'll be the time spent together that he'll treasure the most.

History of Father's Day:

In 1909, inspired by a sermon she heard about Mother's Day, Sonora Louise Smart Dodd started a campaign for a similar tribute to fathers out of an apparent desire to recognize her father, William Smart, for his efforts to raise six children after his wife died in childbirth. She proposed a day in June (her father's birth month) to honor fathers and the first Father's Day was celebrated June 19, 1910, in Spokane, Washington. Though Father's Day was celebrated in various parts of the country, it wasn't until 1924 that President Calvin Coolidge began support at the national level. Finally, in 1966 President Lyndon B. Johnson proclaimed Father's Day a national holiday to be celebrated on the third Sunday of June.

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

Double Chocolate Popcorn Balls
Yield: 18 balls

1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup corn syrup
1/4 cup butter or margarine
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
8 cups freshly popped popcorn
1 cup M&M's® semi-sweet chocolate mini baking bits

• Combine sugar, corn syrup, butter and cocoa in medium saucepan; bring to a boil.
• Add popcorn, stirring until evenly coated. Remove from heat. Stir in M&M's® pieces. Cool slightly.
• Butter hands well and shape into 2" balls.

Nutritional Information:
(Based on one ball)
Total calories: 160; Fat: 7 g; Carbohydrate: 24 g; Sugar: 19 g; Fiber: 2 g; Protein: 1 g;
Sodium: 75 mg; Cholesterol: 5 mg.