The Most Convenient, Fun and Amazing Take Along Snack this Summer is Popcorn

The Most Convenient Snack is Popcorn, Just Right for Summer Swim Parties, Outdoor Movies or Hitting the Trails

Popcorn Trail Mix

1. 8 ounces raisins
2. 6 ounces diced, dried fruit (apricots, apples, etc.)
3. 1 quart popped popcorn (air popped)

• Set freshly popped popcorn in large bowl
• Add diced fruit and raisins
• Toss popcorn and fruit until combined thoroughly
• Store in airtight container

Popcorn Granola Snack Bars

These easy-to-make granola bars will give you the energy you need between meals.

Yield: 16 bars

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup honey
• 2/3 cup peanut butter
• 1 cup granola cereal
• 1 cup roasted and salted peanuts
• 3 cups popped popcorn

Directions

1. Line an 8 or 9-inch square baking pan with foil.
2. Spray foil lightly with cooking spray; set aside.
3. Heat honey in a large saucepan until boiling.
4. Stir in peanut butter until well blended.
5. Remove pan from heat and stir in granola, peanuts and popcorn until coated.
6. Press mixture evenly into prepared pan.
7. Refrigerate until cool; cut into bars to serve.

Popcorn: As American As The 4th Of July

Popcorn is one of the oldest and most beloved American foods. It’s been around for thousands of years, yet over time, it has remained a simple little kernel of goodness. Here are some patriotic recipes to take to your 4th of July parties:

Red Hot Poppers

Red hot cinnamons give this patriotic popcorn its punch.

Yield: About 24 balls

Ingredients

• 3 quarts popped popcorn
• 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) butter or margarine
• 3 cups miniature marshmallows
• 1/2 cups red hot cinnamon flavored candies
• red and blue confection stars
• red licorice string

Directions

1. Spread a large sheet of plastic wrap onto a work surface and spray within cooking spray.
2. Spray a large mixing bowl lightly with cooking spray and place popcorn inside.
3. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over low heat.  Stir in marshmallows until marshmallows are melted and mixture is smooth.  Pour over popcorn, adding red hot candies, and mix well until coated.
4. Spray hands with cooking spray and form mixture into 24 balls.  Gently press red and blue stars onto balls.  Place a piece of licorice string on top of each ball.

Peanut Butter Cups

Indulge your sweet tooth with these popcorn-inspired peanut butter cups.

Yield: 24 cups

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 1/2 cup butter or margarine
• 1 package (10 1/2 ounces) miniature marshmallows
• 6 cups freshly popped popcorn
• 6 cups spoon-size shredded wheat
• 1 cup dry roasted peanuts
• 1 cup raisins

Directions

1. Melt peanut butter and butter in large microwaveable bowl over HIGH heat for 1 minute.
2. Add marshmallows and heat another minute or until marshmallows puff; stir.
3. Add popcorn, shredded wheat, peanuts and raisins; stir gently.
4. Place paper liners into two 12-cup muffin pans.
5. Divide mixture into 24 cups.
6. Bake at 250 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes.
7. Store “cups” in airtight container.