Pretzels are one of those snacks that are always welcome in my house.  They are low in fat and taste really great!  So, what’s not to love?  I like the twisted shaped ones, the thin straight ones, and the fat ones.  They’re all welcome any time!

I’ve wondered what I could do with a whole bag of pretzels that would turn them into a really special treat for the whole family.  Yes, I’m happy to sit down with just an open bag of plain pretzels on my lap, but wouldn’t it be fun to have a big bowl of special pretzels for special days?  Think of game day or movie night…

I do like to make chocolate dipped pretzels on occasion.  They are simple to make – just follow the instructions on a bag of chocolate chips or melting chocolate coating to melt the chocolate, dip the pretzels in and lay on a piece of parchment paper to cool.  Put them in the refrigerator if you can’t wait.  The salty and sweet flavor is incredible.

Do you have any ideas for improving on the classic pretzel?

October is “National Popcorn Poppin’ Month” and The Popcorn Board would like us to learn more about popcorn.  Did you know that popcorn is a whole-grain food?  Popcorn has not been milled into oblivion, so it contains the entire grain, kernel and all.  Did you also know that popcorn is low in fat and calories?  That is why health and weight conscious people are snacking on popcorn.  Of course, if you are on a strict diet, you’ll want to enjoy popcorn in its most delicious, natural state… limiting the butter and seasonings. 

But, when you and your family want a special treat, The Popcorn Board has recipes galore for every popcorn fan and fanatic.  One of the recipes that I love for Halloween will probably put you off your diet, but it will be worth it just this once.  This treat includes peanut butter, so it’s not without added nutritional benefits.   Be sure to make double batches… the kids (and adults) will be begging for more long after Halloween!

POPCORN CANDY-CORN STACKS
7 ounces marshmallow cream
1/2 cup peanut butter
8 cups popped popcorn
1 cup candy corn

Put marshmallow cream and peanut butter in large bowl and mix until smooth.
Stir in popcorn and candy corn and mix until everything is coated evenly.
Drop spoonfuls of mixture on wax paper or non-stick cookie sheet.
Allow to cool and store in airtight container.

There are more popcorn recipes like this one, along with some main dish recipes, on The Popcorn Board’s website at popcorn.org. It makes sense to include popcorn in your diet when you consider not only how nutritious popcorn is, but how inexpensive popcorn is, too.  Do you have any favorite recipes using popcorn, or any stories of how popcorn has become a part of your life?

This year, the kids got an insane amount of chocolate from the easter bunny including several huge chocolate bunnies. They’ve ate most of their chocolates and various other candies by now, but bunnies are still sitting on the counter. I know if I open then, the kids will just have way to much chocolate at once…

I remember my mom used to make some sort of pound cake type thing with chocolate in it. She would break the easter bunny into pieces and use them in the cake. Unfortunately I don’t have the recipe and won’t be able to get a hold of my mom for the next few weeks. Did your mom do the same thing? Or maybe you are now making cakes with your kids’ easter bunnies? If so, please take a moment to share your recipe below.

Of course I’d also be interested in any other recipes involving chocolate easter bunnies that you may have.

Since this is thanksgiving week, anything remotely related to turkey day is on sale at our grocery store, including marshmallows. Since they are pretty much our daughter’s favorite food, I stocked up and got 3 bags of minis and 3 bags of regular sized ones. As soon as I got home, our daughter announced that she no longer likes them….

I’m still hoping she’ll change her mind, but just in case she doesn’t, I need some ideas on what to do with all these marshmallows. We made a batch of rice crispy treats last night, following the instructions on the cereal box. They were a big hit, but I can’t see myself making 6 bags of marshmallows worth of those… the sticky mess cleanup wasn’t nearly as much fun as making them

So, what are your ideas… what do you make with marshmallows? Leave me a comment below with your ideas and recipes.

With the new movie How to Eat Fried Worms coming out soon, I’ve got GUMMY WORMS on the brain.

Do you have any fun ways to use gummy worms? If you have recipes or fun ideas to get us in the mood for the new movie, please share.