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?

One of my husband’s favorite late night snacks is vanilla wafers with peanut butter. Our daughter likes it as well, but my favorite way to eat them is plain, dipped in milk.

I also use them to make banana pudding. I simply layer vanilla wafers, sliced bananas and vanilla pudding in a glass dish and then top everything with whipped cream. It gets better if it sits for an hour or two in the fridge … don’t put the whipped cream on it though until you are ready to serve it.

How about you? Do you have a favorite Vanilla Wafer recipe?

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 today is National Pie day, I thought I’d pose this question – What Can I Make With Pie Crust?

Obviously there are all kinds of different pies from sweet to savory that you can make with this tender, flaky crust. Speaking of Pie Crust, here’s my favorite recipe for it. – Easy Pie Crust Recipe -  I didn’t have much success in making my own pie crusts until I tried this particular recipe and it turns out great every single time.

How about you? What are your favorite pie recipes? Do you have any other ideas / suggestions on what we can make with pie crust? Share your ideas and recipes as a comment below.

Susanne

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.

I have heard in the past that thin mints make some awesome desserts.

I’ve mashed them and sprinkled them on top of ice cream (as if they aren’t fattening enough already).

I also love dipping them into my coffee.

I’m sure some creative moms out there have great ideas for recipes using Thin Mints. Let’s hear it –
What can I make with GIRL SCOUT THIN MINT COOKIES?