Kettle Corn

Why wait for a county fair to enjoy old-fashioned Kettle Corn? Pop some up for your family tonight. It’s so good!

1/2 cup  popcorn kernels

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup vegetable oil

Salt to taste

Place popcorn,sugar and vegetable oil in large pot. Cover and heat to medium. When you hear popcorn beginning to pop, shake pan continuously to prevent kernels from burning. When popping has slowed, remove from heat. Serve in large bowl, sprinkled lightly with salt.

Susan North's Puppy Chow For Humans

1 stick butter
1 cup milk chocolate chips
1/2 cup peanut butter
Melt together

Add  7 cups rice cereal, coat well, Shake on Powdered Sugar.

Cindy's Black Bean and Corn Salsa

My friend, Cindy, makes this for Christmas for her family gathering and doubles the recipe.


1   15 oz can Black Beans - rinsed and drained
1    15 oz can White Corn - rinsed and drained
2 tsp. Olive Oil
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper
1 tsp cilantro
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 Pepper
6 green onions, chopped

Mix and chill at least two hours. Best if made the day before.

Serve with one of the following:
Corn "Scoops"
Frito's
Black Bean and Garlic Chips (favorite)

Enhanced Granola Bars

Use peanut butter granola bars - on one end put a healthy "glop" of peanut butter... top with melted chocolate and freeze on a tray.... when frozen solid, put these in a plastic bag for a quick, grab and go healthy snack or dessert for you or the little ones.

Flavorful Homemade Popcorn

Pop it and mix in one of these -

Parmesan cheese, chili powder and - if you like it spicy, a little cayenne pepper ( spray the popcorn first with PAM so the seasoning will stick to it, then place in a plastic bag with the seasonings and shake.) 

Using the same method as above, you could also use sugar and cinnamon

Or - mix in cheese gold fish

Or - mix in trail mix  or M& M's

Quick and Easy Diet Snack Ideas

Cinnamon Popcorn

Another recipe from my college days, so many years ago...  back then, we all knew how to pop popcorn. I am adding those directions here since I recently gave this recipe to someone who said she's never made anything but microwave popcorn. Yes, you can use the microwave popcorn but I prefer Black Jewel  or sone of the other "gourmet" popcorn kernels.

Cover bottom of heavy saucepan with a thin layer of vegetable oil (or lard). Add layer of popcorn. Cover pan with a lid and pop corn, shaking pan.

After the kernels are popped, pour popcorn into a large bowl. 

Pour 1/4 cup of melted butter over popcorn.

Mix together and add to the popped corn.......

2 TBSP sugar
1/8 tsp nutmeg
1/8 tsp ground cinnamon

Sprinkle sugar mixture over popcorn and toss carefully.

If desired, add raisins, dates, dried fruit, peanuts or mixed nuts.

Carefully spri

Festive Fall Snack Mix

If you are a fan of the sweet and salty combination, then this will become an instant winner! And did I mention it requires no cooking?

1 Box of Mini Peanut Butter Sandwich Crackers
1 Small Box of Raisins
1 Bag of Candy Corn
1 Bag of Plain M&M’s
1 Jar of Lightly Salted Dry Roasted Peanuts
Mix together in a large bowl. (The small ingredients tend to sink to the bottom, so give them a little boost to the top.) CHOW DOWN! Nom! Nom! Nom!

I like it because it’s not a complete sugar-loaded-wasted-calorie-snack. You get a little sweet, but some protein and fiber while you’re at it!

Sesame-Wasabi-Cherry Mix

8 servings

2 cups sesame sticks
11/2 cups walnuts
1/2 cups wasabi peas
1/2 cup dried cranberries

Combine all ingredients in a large airtight container or zip-top plastic bag, mixing well. Store in an airtight container.

Makes a beautiful mix for the holidays - great combination

She Loves Wine's Caramel Puff Corn

I'm going to blame it on the bifocals......... I misread a recipe and came up with a better one!

This is an easy and addictive recipe... it goes fast and makes a great gift!

Preheat oven to 250 degrees

1 7-8 oz bag of Puffed Corn Curls (or you could use popcorn)
1 large deep pan - I buy the throw away kind you use to roast a turkey

Empty the bag of puffed corn into the large turkey roaster... set aside

Caramel Sauce -Combine the following together in a 2 or 3 qt saucepan:

1 stick of butter (use the real thing, not margarine)
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 c. light corn syrup

Stir constantly, cook and stir for 2 minutes after it boils. After this, remove from heat and add:

1 tsp baking soda to this mixture... it will foam up high. Stir well and pour this mixture over the corn curls. Place in 250 degree oven for 45 minutes, stirring every 10 - 15 minutes. Remove from oven and pour on wax paper and Break apart. Enjoy!

NOTES - My dad likes this with mixed nuts added to it.... very good