Popcorn gained its popularity in the US during the Great Depression as one of the few luxuries people could afford. Today, popcorn remains a perfect affordable and versatile ingredient for delicious and nutritious snacks, fun crafts, and entertaining games.
Popcorn As a Snack & Food Ingredient:
- 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:
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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