Fun with Popcorn

Among the healthiest low-calorie food items, popcorn is a whole grain that is low in calories and fat and is a complex carbohydrate. Follow these simple suggestions to increase daily fiber intake:

• Top soup or salad servings with popcorn instead of crouton for a healthier alternative 
• Season popcorn with spices or seasonings to create a lightly flavored savory treat
• Combine popcorn with dried fruit and nuts to create a custom snack mix
• Create popcorn dessert bars rice krispie style

Popcorn Craft Activities:

For just pennies, crafts with popped corn provide hours of at-home fun. Try these simple, cost-efficient activities with supplies likely to already be on hand.

• Popcorn sheep – draw a sheep’s head and feet on construction paper. Let children fill in the body with popped popcorn. (Adapt to any white animal shape)
• Feed birds by stringing popcorn and cut up apples. Hang on a fence post for a backyard feast. Birds will use leftover string when building nests.
• Form holiday shapes (pumpkins, snowmen, etc.) from a mixture of warm popcorn and melted marshmallows. Work quickly with small batches to create desired form. Embellish with candy and other food decorations.

Other fun uses for popcorn:

• Play the popcorn game: Encourage kids to jump around and pretend they are popcorn kernels popping. Learn why corn pops and share this with kids while they are playing. 
• Bobbing for Popcorn Balls: Tie popcorn balls to strings suspended from up high. Have kids stand next to balls and try to eat them without using their hands.
• Sing I’m A Little Kernel to the melody of I’m a Little Teapot using the following lyrics:

I’m a little kernel in a pot,

Turn on the heat and

Watch me hop.

When I get all warmed up,

Then I’ll pop,

Umm, I taste good when I’m hot!

For more fun popcorn facts and a chance to win a “Get the Party Popping” prize pack, check out this post.

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