Did you know that October is National Popcorn Poppin’ Month?
Popcorn is naturally low in fat and calories, and popcorn is a whole grain. It is made up of three components: the germ, endosperm and pericarp or hull.
Of the 4 main types of maize/corn—sweet, dent, flint and popcorn—only popcorn pops.
Popcorn needs between 13.5-14% moisture to pop.
Popcorn comes in two basic shapes when popped: snowflake and mushroom.
Popcorn Zombies are a treat:
Green Halloween Zombies
Yield: about 7 pieces (4 ½ x 3 ½ inches each)
Ingredients:
- 2 ½ quarts popped popcorn
- 6 tablespoons butter or margarine
- 3 cups mini marshmallows
- 4 tablespoons lime gelatin powder
- Red gum balls, candy corn, flat green candy strips (or fruit leather), green sugar sprinkles
Directions:
- Place popcorn in a large bowl; set aside.
- Melt butter over medium heat in a medium saucepan. Stir marshmallows into butter until melted. Stir in gelatin powder until evenly colored. Pour over popcorn and stir until evenly coated. With buttered hands, shape popcorn into 7 oval shapes.
- Flatten one oval shape slightly and squeeze one end to form a ‘skull’ shape. Place onto parchment lined baking sheet. Repeat with remaining shapes.
- To decorate: Press two gumballs into each skull to form ‘eyes’. Press candy corn into skull to from ‘teeth’. Use scissors to trim candy strips and press into top for ‘hair’. Sprinkle with sugar sprinkles.
- Allow ‘zombies’ to set for about 20 minutes before wrapping individually in plastic wrap (or serve immediately).
For more recipes, tips and information about popcorn and Popcorn Poppin’ Month, October, visit www.popcorn.org or call the Popcorn Board at (312) 644-6610.
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