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      Holiday Fun with a Joyful Pop

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      By Family FeaturesWith countless ways to enjoy the holiday season from decorating and hosting parties to wintertime activities, it’s a perfect time to bring family and friends together for some festive fun. One simple ingredient can be your go-to for just about any tradition: popcorn, which is an inexpensive, versatile, whole grain that makes holiday occasions better.Consider these simple seasonal ways you can let popcorn fuel your holiday adventures.DecorateStrings of popcorn and cranberries add a nostalgic touch to the family tree while making popcorn trees adds whimsy to the table. Before stringing popcorn, let it sit out for a day or two as freshly popped popcorn may be too fragile to thread without breaking. Push a threaded needle through the center of each kernel then pull the kernel to the end of the knotted thread, adding an occasional cranberry, if desired. Festive trees can be made using popcorn mixed with melted marshmallows then shaped and finished with sprinkles.Give It as a GiftIf it’s your turn to host this year’s holiday party, popcorn makes for a perfect party favor. Pop up a delicious treat like these Cranberry Popcorn Balls, place them in pretty jars or neatly wrap them then finish each with a bow. For an added touch, include the recipe instructions and popcorn kernels in a separate container so your guests can make it at home.Enjoy It as a SnackFreshly popped popcorn is a simple and delicious snack to share after a day of shopping, caroling, sledding or decorating. You can take the holiday season up a notch with creative recipes like Gingersnap Popcorn Snack Mix, White Chocolate Peppermint Popcorn Bark and Easy, Elegant Holiday Popcorn. These treats are perfect for popping up in the morning so the snacks are ready once guests arrive.Visit Popcorn.org to find more sweet, salty and savory holiday recipe ideas.Gingersnap Popcorn Snack MixYield: 2 quarts2          quarts popped popcornbutter-flavored nonstick cooking spray1/3       cup granulated sugar substitute2          teaspoons ground ginger1/2       teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg1/4       teaspoon cinnamon1/4       teaspoon ground cloves1/8       teaspoon freshly ground black or white pepperPreheat oven to 325 F.Spread popcorn on baking sheet and spray lightly with nonstick cooking spray.In small bowl, combine sugar substitute, ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves and freshly ground pepper; sprinkle evenly over popcorn.Spray again with nonstick cooking spray and toss to coat evenly.Bake 7 minutes and serve warm.Easy, Elegant Holiday PopcornYield: 8 cups8          cups popped popcorn1/2       cup milk chocolate chips1/2       cup white chocolate chipscandy sprinklesOn serving platter, spread popcorn in thin layer.Over double boiler or in microwave, melt milk chocolate chips. Drizzle over popcorn.Over double boiler or in microwave, melt white chocolate chips. Drizzle over popcorn.Sprinkle candy sprinkles over warm, chocolate-coated popcorn. Allow drizzles to set until firm. White Chocolate Peppermint Popcorn BarkYield: 1 pound5          cups popped popcorn12        ounces white chocolate baking chips, chopped white chocolate or white candy coating1          cup crushed hard candy peppermintsCover baking pan with foil or wax paper; set aside.Place popcorn in large bowl; set aside.In double boiler over barely simmering water, melt chocolate, stirring until smooth, or melt according to package directions.Stir in crushed peppermints after chocolate is melted. Pour chocolate mixture over popcorn mixture and stir to coat. Spread onto prepared pan; cool completely.When chocolate is cooled and set, break into chunks for serving.Store in airtight container at room temperature.Cranberry Popcorn BallsYield: 18 balls2          cups sugar1          cup whole berry cranberry sauce, slightly mashed1          tablespoon grated orange peel1/2       cup cranberry juice1/2       cup light corn syrup1          teaspoon vinegar1/2       teaspoon salt5          quarts unsalted popped popcornIn heavy saucepan, combine sugar, cranberry sauce, orange peel, cranberry juice, corn syrup, vinegar and salt. Bring to boil; lower heat and cook to 250 F on candy thermometer.Mixture will bubble in pan; watch to keep from boiling over.Pour slowly onto hot popcorn and mix until well-coated.Let stand 5 minutes, or until mixture can easily be formed into balls.Butter hands and form into 3-inch balls.Visit Popcorn.org to find more sweet, salty and savory holiday recipe ideas. More

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      Ghostly Graveyard Cake Recipe 

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      By Family FeaturesFor a frighteningly fun time in the kitchen this Halloween, gather your family around the cauldron to create a sweet, spooky dessert. Tricks and treats may provide thrills, but a homemade concoction can be the star of your hauntingly happy evening.This Ghostly Graveyard Cake takes imagination and creativity from everyone with tombstones, skulls and spooky icing daring all to try a bite. With looks this chilling, it’s a perfect treat to enjoy while watching everyone’s favorite scary movie.Find more deliciously devious desserts at Culinary.net.
      [embedded content]Ghostly Graveyard Cake1          box chocolate cake mix10        chocolate creme cookies1          cup black melting chips1          cup red melting chips1          cup heavy whipping cream3          cans buttercream icing1          purple food coloring1          black food coloring             skull sprinkles            tombstones and bones candiesPrepare cake mix according to package instructions in three 6-inch baking pans. Once baked, allow to completely cool outside of pans.In zip-top bag, using rolling pin, crush chocolate creme cookies; set aside.In separate small bowls, add black melting chips and red melting chips.In microwave, heat heavy whipping cream 1 1/2 minutes. Pour half the mixture into one bowl of chips and other half into other bowl of chips. Stir until chips are completely melted; set aside.After cakes cool, on cake board, add small amount of buttercream icing so cake sticks. Using bread knife, level cakes.Place one cake on cake board and add thin layer of icing on top. Place second layer of cake on top and add thin layer of icing on top. Place final layer of cake on top and add thin layer of icing on top. Add thin layer of icing to entire cake. Freeze 15 minutes.In small bowl, mix two parts purple food coloring to one part black food coloring. Ice cake with deep purple icing. Using grooved scraper, scrape along sides of cake. Using angled spatula, smooth top of cake.Add skull sprinkles around edges of cake. Using piping bag with small opening at tip, drip black drip mixture around top edges of cake. Repeat using red drip mixture.Add chocolate creme cookie crumbs to top of cake. Add tombstones and bone sprinkles to top of cake. More