Everybody has something they love to do when they want to put their brain on pause and relax. Some people bike or hike, others read or sew. Relaxing activities are as different as the people doing them are different. What is my favorite relaxing activity? I love watching movies – both in the theater and at home. I’ll admit one of my favorite parts of watching movies is the popcorn. Having popcorn when you are watching a movie is an absolute must, there is no skipping the popcorn. My all-time favorite popcorn is what you get at the movie theater. Popcorn made at home is also super yummy! There is just so much about it to like!

One of the best things about popcorn is the fact that it is a super yummy snack that is actually good for you! You can’t say that about most of the other yummy snack foods out there. Check out these facts from the National Popcorn Board:

• Air-popped has only 31 calories per cup; oil-popped popcorn has only 55 calories per cup.

• When lightly buttered, it contains about 133 calories per cup.
• Popcorn is a whole grain, making it a good-for-you food.
• It provides energy-producing complex carbohydrates
• Popcorn contains fiber, providing roughage the body needs in the daily diet.
• It is naturally low in fat and calories.
• Popcorn has no artificial additives or preservatives, and is sugar-free.
• It is ideal for between meal snacking since it satisfies and doesn’t spoil the appetite.
• 3 cups equal one serving from the grain group.

After reading all of that, it is pretty easy to think that popcorn really might be the perfect snack food. Not only is it healthy, it is usually a very inexpensive snack. That makes it a great snack to feed large crowds. Those are lots of great reasons to choose popcorn as your favorite snack too. Now the only real decision to make is how to make it. There are lots of different  poppers out there and lots of ways to make your popcorn. Here are a couple of my favorites.

These poppers are SO much fun! My kids love the popcorn we make with this. Easy to use – patented stirring mechanism prevents sticking and burning by stirring every kernel until it pops.

Wabash Valley Farms 25008A The Original Whirley Pop Stovetop Popcorn Popper
List Price: $30.00
You Save: $10.01 (33%)
Price: $19.99

This is a great healthy way to make popcorn with or without oil. You can even serve it directly from bowl. You get quick and easy popcorn from your microwave.

Nordic Ware Microwave Popcorn Popper, 12-Cup, White
List Price: $11.60
You Save: $2.65 (23%)
Price: $8.95

These are just a couple of the many fun ways to make popcorn. There are lots of other great  poppers available. What is your favorite way to pop your popcorn?

Stay tuned to our blog tomorrow when we share some great recipes for making fun flavored popcorn! Have a favorite recipe? Share it with us and it might just make tomorrow nights blog!