Flavored Popcorn

Submitted by:  Nana Shockley
As seen in Healthy Living Magazine


If you have an air-popper, it takes only minutes to make a wholesome bowl of fluffy fun.

• Did you know popcorn's a whole grain? Many of us don't get enough whole-grain foods each day.
• Popcorn's also low in calories — yet fiber-rich and filling. A three-cup serving of plain air-popped corn has just 90 calories.

Now, how about some flavorful — and healthful — ideas to perk up your freshly popped corn?
After popping, use an oil mister to spray popcorn with a little butter, olive or canola oil so seasonings stick. Then sprinkle lightly with one or more of these tasty toppings:
For fun I like to give each child an ice cream scooper full of different flavors, sort of like a banana split.

• Chocolate sprinkles
• Cinnamon mixed with a touch of sugar
• Low-fat Parmesan cheese.  A great garnich for tomato soup.
• Minced basil and garlic powder
• Curry powder
• Cumin
• Garlic or onion powder
• Paprika
• A tiny bit of Good Seasons Dressing Mix  (in the envelope)
• Pepper — or a little chili pepper, if you like it hot
• Place some salted popcorn on top of a scoop of chocolate icecream.  Yummy, sweet and salty!

If you pop a big bowl, measure out individual portions. Then, savor slowly to enjoy every kernel.