Perfect Pops for Every Occasion

(Family Features) No matter what kind of events you have on your social calendar, you can pop up delicious treats that are sure to be a hit.

Whether hosting a get-together for the guys and tuning into the game or having a night in with the girls, freshly popped popcorn, which is naturally low in fat and calories, non-GMO and gluten free, can help you please every palate.

Sweet, spicy, salty or served in more non-traditional ways, the possibilities are endless, and perfect for everything from date night to a family movie night or even a sleepover or kids’ party. And since it’s healthy and whole grain, popcorn is a satisfying snack suitable for every occasion that you can feel good about serving.

Find more versatile, nutritious recipes for your next event at popcorn.org.

Cookies ’N Cream Popcorn

Ingredients

• 12 cups popped popcorn
• 1 package (11 ounces) white chocolate chips
• 2 teaspoons coconut oil
• 15 Oreo cookies, coarsely chopped

Preparation

1. Place popcorn in large bowl; set aside.
2. In medium saucepan on low heat, melt chocolate chips and coconut oil; stir until blended.
3. Pour melted chocolate over popcorn, stirring until well-coated. Stir in chopped Oreos.
4. Spread mixture on baking sheet and chill until chocolate has set. Break into pieces to serve.

Popcorn Party Pizza

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 bag (10.5 ounces) mini marshmallows
• 2 quarts popped popcorn
• 1 tube (.68 ounces) red piping gel
• 1 package red raspberry fruit roll-ups
• green jelly beans
• coconut
• candy-coated chocolate pieces

Preparation

1. Spray 12-inch pizza pan with cooking spray; set aside.
2. In large saucepan over medium heat, heat butter.
3. Stir in marshmallows until melted.
4. Stir in popcorn until well coated.
5. Spread mixture evenly onto prepared pizza pan.
6. Drizzle red piping gel over “pizza” to make “sauce.”
7. Cut small circles (about 1 1/4 inches in diameter) from fruit roll-up and place on pizza for “pepperoni” slices.
8. Decorate as desired with jelly beans, coconut and candies. Allow to cool completely before cutting into wedges to serve.

Popcorn and Peanut Truffles

Ingredients

• 6 cups popped popcorn
• 1 cup roasted and salted peanuts
• 1 package (12 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup honey

Preparation

1. In large bowl, stir popcorn and peanuts together; set aside.
2. In microwave-safe bowl, heat chocolate chips 10 seconds. Stir chips and repeat, stirring after each 10 seconds, until chips are melted. Warm honey in microwave 10 seconds and stir into chocolate until well blended.
3. Pour chocolate mixture over popcorn mixture and stir until popcorn is evenly coated. With small ice cream scoop, push popcorn mixture into scoop and release onto wax paper to form truffles. Refrigerate until firm.

Toasted Coconut and Chocolate Popcorn

Ingredients

• 10 cups popped popcorn
• 2 tablespoons butter or margarine
• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon coconut extract (optional)
• 1 cup chocolate chips
• 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
• 1 bag (7 ounces) shredded coconut, toasted

Preparation

1. Place popcorn in large bowl; set aside.
2. In small saucepan, combine butter, brown sugar and coconut extract; stir until melted and combined.
3. Pour over popcorn, coating well. Spread popcorn onto large cookie sheet.
4. In glass measuring cup, melt chocolate chips and vegetable oil in microwave on low heat until smooth. Drizzle over popcorn. Immediately sprinkle coconut over popcorn mixture; cool.
5. Break into pieces and serve.

Cheesy Pepperoni Popcorn

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup nonfat Parmesan cheese
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon dried marjoram leaves
• 1/4 teaspoon dried basil leaves
• 1/8 teaspoon dried sage
• black pepper, to taste
• 12 cups popped popcorn
• 3/4 cup turkey pepperoni, cut into bite-size bits
• olive oil cooking spray

Preparation

1. In small bowl, combine Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, oregano, marjoram, basil, sage and pepper; mix well.
2. Place cooked popcorn and turkey pepperoni in large bowl; spray lightly with cooking spray.
3. Sprinkle popcorn and pepperoni with cheese mixture and toss to coat evenly.

Sponsored by Popcorn Board