Pop up a celebratory snack
Popcorn lovers rejoice: October is National Popcorn Poppin’ Month, a seasonal celebration of one of AmericaÄ¢¹½ÊÓÆµ oldest and most beloved snack foods.
As farmers head into the fields to harvest crops, families and friends gather to enjoy this ever-popular treat. Whether itÄ¢¹½ÊÓÆµ prepared on the stovetop, in the microwave or ready to eat from the bag, Americans consume 15 billion quarts of this whole grain each year.
Celebrated for its seed-to-snack simplicity, popcorn is also non-GMO, vegan, gluten-free, sugar-free and naturally low in fat and calories, which makes it an easy fit for dietary preferences – and itÄ¢¹½ÊÓÆµ budget-friendly.
Add in popcornÄ¢¹½ÊÓÆµ irresistible smell, taste and versatility, and itÄ¢¹½ÊÓÆµ easy to understand its popularity. With so many different ways to eat it – plain, buttery or loaded with goodies like these Toffee Almond Chocolate Popcorn or Churro Popcorn versions – popcorn fits many moods and occasions.
Pop up a bowl and join the Popcorn Poppin’ Month celebration with more recipes at popcorn.org.
Toffee Almond Chocolate Popcorn
Total time: 15 minutes, plus 30 minutes chilling time
Servings: 4
4 cups popped popcorn
3/4 cup chopped toasted almonds, divided
6 tablespoons toffee bits, divided
6 ounces milk chocolate, melted
1 ounce dark chocolate, melted
In large bowl, toss popcorn, 1/2 cup almonds and 4 tablespoons toffee bits. Drizzle with melted milk chocolate; toss until well coated.
Transfer to parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Drizzle with dark chocolate; sprinkle with remaining almonds and toffee bits. Refrigerate about 30 minutes, or until set; break into clusters.
Substitution: Use dark chocolate for milk chocolate, if preferred.
Churro Popcorn
Servings: 2-3
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 tablespoon powdered sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons butter
6 cups popped popcorn
In small bowl, mix granulated sugar, powdered sugar and cinnamon.
In small saucepan, melt butter; stir in 1 tablespoon cinnamon sugar.
In large bowl, toss popcorn with cinnamon butter until well coated. Sprinkle evenly with remaining cinnamon sugar; toss to coat well.
Tips: For spicy variation, add 1 teaspoon spicy chipotle seasoning. Serve with hot chocolate.

