Get Popping

By Mariah McKenzie, Press columnist

Since it is National Popcorn Day, switch up the classic popcorn and try something a little different. Popcorn has been enjoyed for thousands of centuries and it is not hard to see why because of how many possibilities there are to enhance it’s natural flavor.

For a sweet popcorn this is a simple recipe. This recipe is great because you can specialize it to work for any holiday. All that is needed is Wilton candy melts any color or flavor. Once it gets closer to February their limited edition red velvet flavor is available.

The red velvet chips are my favorite out of all the flavors I’ve tried. Some popcorn and sprinkles. Spread some popped popcorn out on a cookie sheet lined with wax paper. In a microwave safe Pyrex dish carefully melt some Wilton candy melts in 30 second increments, stirring inbetween until it is melted so that you can easily pour it. It should be about the consistency of cupcake batter. Then in a quick back and forth motion drizzle the melted mixture over the popcorn. Now sprinkle some sprinkles over the popcorn.

The sprinkles should stick to the candy melt coated popcorn. Let the candy melts set up until it is back to a solid. Enjoy!

Classic French onion dip has now gone popcorn style.

Melt three tablespoons of butter and mix in a one ounce packet of onion soup mix. Mix eight cups of popcorn with six ounces of French-fried onions in a separate bowl. Then drizzle the onion soup mixture over the popcorn.

What could possibly be better than a classic s’more?

Well s’more popcorn that is.

First take a handful of marshmallows and put them in a microwave-safe bowl and then add two tablespoons of butter. Put in the microwave for 30 seconds and then take out and stir. Continue to cook in 30 second increments until melted smoothly. Then pour the marshmallow goop over a bowl of popcorn and stir around with a buttered spatula. Then crush up some graham crackers and sprinkle them in along with some chocolate chips. Mix around the popcorn a little more so that the graham cracker pieces and chocolate get incorporated evenly.

Try the everything bagel popcorn for a new twist. Toss six cups of popcorn with two and a half cups of broken bagel chips. Then add three tablespoons of butter, one and a half teaspoon black pepper and then one tablespoon of each white sesame seeds and black sesame seeds. Now mix in a half tablespoon each of caraway seeds, granulated onion and granulated garlic.

Head down south with a zesty taco popcorn. All that is needed is a packet of taco seasoning, popcorn and some shredded cheddar cheese.

Place the popcorn in a bowl and sprinkle the taco seasoning over it. Gently shake it so as to not make all the seasoning go to the bottom. Then sprinkle some shredded cheddar over the top while the popcorn is still warm.

Caramel popcorn is a classic but what about salted caramel popcorn? First spray a roasting pan with cooking spray and add in 8 cups of popped popcorn. Place in the oven and turn on to 250 degrees. Now once the popcorn is in the oven it is time to start working on the caramel sauce.

Mix half a cup brown sugar, a fourth cup of light or dark corn syrup, a fourth cup butter and a fourth teaspoon of salt in a two-quart saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Once boiling let boil 5 minutes more without stirring. Then remove from heat and add half a teaspoon vanilla and a fourth of a teaspoon salt. Now take out the popcorn and pour the syrup over the popcorn. Make sure to stir it so it is coated evenly. Put back in the oven and bake for 45 minutes. Make sure to stir it occasionally. Remove from roasting pan and spread onto a foil sheet that has been sprayed with cooking spray. Let cool and break apart. Pour the popcorn into a container and then add two and a half cups of salted pretzel rods.

Buffalo is a perfect way to spice up popcorn. Melt three tablespoons butter and mix with three tablespoons of buffalo sauce. Then toss with a fourth cup blue cheese crumbles and eight cups of popcorn.

Don’t be afraid to try a new combination of flavor in popcorn. Mix it up every time to find something that is undeniably more delicious than the last.