September, 2011:

A Fair Snack to Remember

Sep 27th, 2011
by Wendy.
1 comment
Share

Cinnamon Sugar Kettle Corn

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Some of my successful, take-charge, big-picture girlfriends were recently talking about their childhood experiences at the county fair.  I laughed hard at descriptions of their entries, quaint and adorable as seen from my middle age perspective.  My pal Sue “…got honorable mention for my matching bouncing bunnies skirt and kerchief,” while Nancy boasted “my cat Nicky got an honorable mention for clear eyes and my pancakes got third place.”  And Julie mulled over the injustice of livestock judging, “they were judging chickens and the kids were all lined up listening to whether their birds had long enough tail feathers and developed combs, stuff those kids couldn’t control!” 

The county fair is a deeply educational and enriching experience for participants and a sheer pleasure for attendees.  I love the intriguing sights, sounds and tastes of the fair, and I knew for certain that where there’s a fair, there’s sure to be kettle corn.

(more…)

Grain’s anatomy

Sep 22nd, 2011
by Wendy.
3 comments
Share

Lemon Glazed Poppy Seed Popcorn

 

 

 

 

 

 

With school back in session, it’s time for a lesson in whole grains–those wonderful, healthful little seeds of goodness, much maligned by faddish no-carb diets.  Don’t get your kids caught up in that.  Teach them about good, well-balanced eating, which includes whole grains.

Nutrition experts tell us again and again to eat whole grains.  Whole grains are delicious and versatile and they do the body a world of good, so who needs encouragement?  With blueberry buckwheat pancakes for breakfast, tomato, corn and quinoa salad for lunch, mushroom barley risotto for dinner, and glazed lemon and poppy seed popcorn for an anytime snack, whole grains have never tasted so good.

On the nutrition side, whole grains provide many nutrients vital for the health and maintenance of our bodies and may even reduce the risk of some chronic diseases.  And whole grains are a source of fiber, which grabs onto toxins as it makes its way through the digestive system.  You’ve got to love this workhorse of the food world, even willing to take out the trash.

But why is a whole grain more nutritionally valuable than its counterpart, the refined grain?  The word “refined” certainly makes it sound desirable.   A whole grain is made up of 3 parts: The bran, the germ, and the endosperm.   A refined grain has had its bran and germ removed, which removes most of the nutrients in the process.

Anatomy of a Kernel

Bran: the outside layer of the grain and contains most of the seed’s fiber, B vitamins and trace minerals.Popcorn kernel cross-section

Germ: the part of the grain from which a new plant would sprout if you were to plant it. It is a concentrated source of vitamins including vitamin E, B-vitamins and antioxidants.

Endosperm: contains starchy carbohydrates, proteins and small amounts of vitamins and minerals. 

Embrace a whole grain today, preferably with your molars.  Enjoy this delicious and healthful recipe today.

Glazed Lemon and Poppy Seed Popcorn
Note: the use of egg white helps the flavors adhere to the popcorn, without adding fat through the more traditional use of oils.
Makes: 4 quarts

Ingredients:
4 quarts unbuttered and unsalted popcorn (air popped)
1 egg white
1/4 cup sugar 
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon lemon extract
2 teaspoons lemon zest
1 teaspoon poppy seeds

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees F.  Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper (or foil sprayed with cooking spray).  Spread popcorn onto prepared baking sheet.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together egg white, sugar, salt and lemon extract until foamy.  Pour over popcorn and toss to coat evenly.
  3. Bake 20 minutes, stirring once midway through baking time.  Cool completely before storing in an airtight container.

Popping with Pride

Sep 5th, 2011
by Wendy.
No comments yet
Share

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Americans love to celebrate being an American, especially during the warmer months. Three of our most important national holidays mark the beginning, middle and end of summer. We celebrate those who fought for freedom, for a nation born from the need for independence, and for those who have toiled for the strength and prosperity of our nation.

These holidays bring an excitement that comes from more than just having a day off. It comes from being able to gather with family and friends and celebrate the fullness of our lives. We plan picnics, parades and places to sit during the fireworks display. We swell with unabashed patriotism, proudly waving flags and thanking our lucky stars that we are Americans.

This Labor Day weekend and as you enjoy the many things that make this country great, from baseball and barbeque, blue jeans to blues, be sure to include another All-American in the festivities—popcorn. Popcorn is one of the oldest and most beloved American foods. It’s been around for thousands of years, yet over time, it has remained a simple little kernel of goodness. Wholesome and whole grain, popcorn costs just pennies per serving. For some star-spangled snacks that’ll have you popping with pride, try this recipe courtesy of the Popcorn Board (www.popcorn.org).

Red Hot Poppers
Makes: about 24 balls
Preparation time: 25 minutes

Ingredients:
3 quarts popped popcorn
4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) butter or margarine
3 cups miniature marshmallows
1/2 cups red hot cinnamon flavored candies
red and blue confection stars
red licorice string

Directions:

  1. Spread a large sheet of plastic wrap onto a work surface and spray within cooking spray.
  2. Spray a large mixing bowl lightly with cooking spray and place popcorn inside.
  3. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Stir in marshmallows until marshmallows are melted and mixture is smooth. Pour over popcorn, adding red hot candies, and mix well until coated.
  4. Spray hands with cooking spray and form mixture into 24 balls. Gently press red and blue stars onto balls. Place a piece of licorice string on top of each ball.