Page 52 - Harnett Life Summer 2022

POP UP Cooking Creativity Pop-a-rific Popcorn Balls
Yield: 14 balls

1 package (1 pound) marshmallows
3 quarts popped popcorn, unsalted
1/4 cup butter or margarine
Place popped popcorn in large bowl.
FAMILY FEATURES In large saucepan over low heat, cook
s an important life skill, learning to cook marsh mallows and butter or margarine until
and becoming familiar with kitchen melted and smooth. Pour over popcorn,
basics can be an exciting adventure for tossing gently to mix well. Cool 5 minutes.
Akids from toddlers to teens. Using a Butter hands well and form into 2 1/2-inch
delicious childhood favorite like popcorn as the key balls.
ingredient at the center of your lessons can spur
interest and enthusiasm. Variations: To color popcorn balls,
Along with understanding measurements and add 3-4 drops of food coloring to smooth
safety, teaching your children how to make simple marshmallow mixture. Mix well to dist-
recipes also offers opportunities to bond and make ribute color evenly then pour over popcorn
memories that can last a lifetime. Popcorn is a as instructed.
snack food associated with good times and it’s Mix in candies, nuts or dried fruit after
versatile enough to encourage creativity. mixing popcorn and melted marshmallows.
While it’s important to start with easy Stir to distribute then form into balls.
techniques that introduce future chefs to the Place nonpareils in shallow bowl or plate.
culinary world, it’s also helpful to ensure they’ll Roll popcorn balls in nonpareils after forming.
enjoy eating their first creations so they’ll be eager
for more time in the kitchen.
As a whole grain that’s 100% unprocessed
with no additional additives, hidden ingredients or
GMOs, air-popped popcorn has only 30 calories per DIY Popcorn Bar
cup and offers a whole grain that provides energy-
producing complex carbohydrates. Because whole
grains are important sources of nutrients such as
zinc, magnesium, B vitamins and fiber, you can
instill the values of nutritious snacking all while
having some fun.
These simple yet delicious recipes and tips can
help you get your kids involved in the kitchen.
Encourage Creativity
Making learning fun is an important introduction to
the world of cooking. Starting with a versatile base
ingredient like popcorn that’s naturally low in fat
and calories, encourage your child to get creative
with a recipe like Pop-a-rific Popcorn Balls. With
simple variations like adding food coloring or
mixing in candies, nuts or dried fruit, it’s a colorful
way for little ones to build confidence in their skills.
Whether you’re entertaining guests, hosting a
Measure Ingredients houseful of kids or simply enjoying a weekend at
A key component to recipes of all difficulty home, a DIY popcorn bar provides a tasty and joyful
levels, teaching measurements from teaspoons and way for children and adults alike to create their own
tablespoons to cups, ounces and more is valuable version of an afternoon snack. Just set out a few
know ledge. Start with the basics like these Simple ingredients and watch the fun unfold.
Popcorn S’mores that call for popcorn and graham
crackers to be measured out in cups so your child
can focus on one unit of measurement. Then, if little n Small popcorn bags, bowls or cups
ones are helping, have an adult melt the chocolate n Scoops or spoons
and drizzle for a family-favorite snack. n Popped popcorn

Get Messy Sweet ’n’ Salty Popcorn Pretzel peanut butter. Repeat with remaining peanut n Peanuts (remember to ask fellow parents if their
children may have an allergy)
Sticks
butter and pretzels.
Learning how to create and explore is often Press and roll popcorn onto peanut butter n Candies
productive (and fun) when children can get their Servings: 6 to coat each pretzel. Sprinkle with sugar Simple Popcorn S’mores n Raisins
hands dirty. Sweet ’n’ Salty Popcorn Pretzel sprinkles.
Sticks are a perfect canvas for letting kiddos 6 tablespoons peanut butter To make optional chocolate drizzle: Place Yield: 10 cups n Chocolate chips
work directly with the ingredients as they can 6 large pretzel rods chocolate chips in small resealable plastic n Seasonings
roll pretzels in peanut butter, add sprinkles to 3 cups popped popcorn bag and seal bag. Microwave 30 seconds, or 10 cups freshly popped popcorn n Shredded cheese
their heart’s content and press popcorn into their sugar sprinkles until chocolate is melted. 1 package (10 1/2 ounces) miniature marshmallows
newfound favorite treat. 3/4 cup mini chocolate chips Clip small corner from bag and squeeze to 2 cups graham crackers, broken into small pieces n Shredded coconut
(optional) drizzle chocolate over popcorn. 1/2 cup milk chocolate, melted n Melted butter
Find more kid-friendly recipes to get the whole Spread 1 tablespoon peanut butter over one Sprinkle with additional sugar sprinkles. On baking sheet, combine popcorn, marshmallows and graham crackers.
family involved in the kitchen at popcorn.org. pretzel, leaving 2-inch “handle” without Allow chocolate to harden before serving. Drizzle with melted chocolate and cool.
Page 52 Harnett Life ~ Summer 2022