If your looking for another reason to celebrate right after the holidays, here is one for you, It’s National Popcorn Day! A whole day devoted to the most popular snack at the movie theatre. No one is really sure who declared January 19th as “National Popcorn Day,” but do we really need to know? I say let’s celebrate.

Popcorn has been around for centuries. Evidence of popcorn has been found by archeologist at archaeological sites in South America. Some scientist say that they believe the corncobs found to be dated back to 4700BC.

Popcorn is one of my favorite snacks. I love it air popped with a little salt and a drizzle of butter. It’s fairly healthy to eat as long as you watch what you put on it. It is also a great option to snack on for those of us counting carbs.

Popcorn is such a versatile and affordable ingredient with so many ways to prepare it. You can dress up plain old popcorn to be sweet or savory. Here are a couple of recipes to try out in honor of National Popcorn Day.

Sweet – Homemade Kettle Corn

Ingredients

1 1/2 Tablespoons Vegetable Oil
1/2 Cup Popcorn Kernels
1/4 Cup Sugar
1/2 teaspoon Kosher Salt

Heat the vegetable oil in a hand cranked popcorn popper or large kettle / pot. Once oil is heated add a few kernels to the oil, cover with a lid and wait for them to pop. Once popped quickly stir in the remaining kernels and sugar. Cover with the lid and listen for kernels to pop. When they have begun to pop turn off the heat and shake the pot gently to keep popcorn from burning. If popping slows down and not all the kernels are popped turn heat on again heat for a little bit and repeat the process. Finally when all the kernels have popped add salt, toss and enjoy!

Savory Popcorn Seasoning

Ingredients

1 Tablespoon Garlic Powder
1Tablespoon Dried Parsley Flakes
1 1/2 teaspoon Dried Basil
1 1/2 teaspoon Dried Marjoram
1 1/2 teaspoon Dried Thyme
1 1/2 teaspoon Pepper
3/4 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper

In a small bowl combine all of the above and mix. Store in an air tight container for up to 6 months.

Add the desired amount of the mixture above to :

2 Cups Air Popped Popcorn
1 1/2 teaspoons melted butter

So make a batch of popcorn today and take a minute to six back relax and celebrate National Popcorn Day!

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