Throw the Best Party on the Block

MISSION, KS--(Marketwired - May 23, 2013) - (Family Features) Nothing brings people together quite like a neighborhood picnic or family celebration. So, gather up neighbors, friends and family for a celebration of great food and fun.

Keep the food simple. Ask everyone to bring a favorite side dish so you only need to grill up the hamburgers and hot dogs. Of course, you'll also want to whip up a few special treats. What could be better than a popcorn bar? Popcorn is both good and good for you. It's a whole grain food that is not only low in calories but also makes a great addition to many recipes. Because, sometimes, a sweet indulgence is just what you need.

Set out large bowls of popcorn along with shakers of garlic salt, cumin, lemon pepper, dry taco seasoning mix and Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. Add dried fruit, nuts, pretzel sticks, grated cheese and chocolate chips for a make-your-own trail mix option. Complete the popcorn bar with a few sweet surprises like delicious desserts made with freshly popped corn.

For more creative recipes, visit www.popcorn.org.

Combine sugar, corn syrup, butter and cocoa in medium saucepan; bring to a boil. Add popcorn, stirring until evenly coated. Remove from heat. Stir in milk chocolate candies. Cool slightly. Shape into 2-inch balls.

Preheat oven to 325°F. Spread coconut in a 9 x 13-inch baking pan, breaking up any clumps as needed. Bake 10 minutes or until edges of coconut begin to brown.

Spread popcorn over coconut and sprinkle with melted butter; toss. Sprinkle popcorn mixture with sugar, salt and nutmeg; toss. Bake 5 minutes longer and toss with banana chips. Serve immediately or cool and store in an airtight container.

Place popcorn in a large, sealable plastic container (or in a 2.5-gallon plastic sealable bag). Spray popcorn lightly with cooking spray. Sprinkle cheese, garlic salt, paprika and Italian seasoning over popcorn and shake to distribute evenly. To serve, scoop popcorn into reusable plastic cups.

Combine corn syrup, sugar, brown sugar and peanut butter in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil over low heat, stirring constantly; boil 2 to 3 minutes. Remove saucepan from heat. Combine popcorn and raisins in large bowl; pour hot mixture over popcorn and toss carefully with wooden spoons to mix until well-coated.

Spray 9 x 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray; press popcorn mixture into pan and cool completely. Cut into squares and serve.

Stir spices together in a small bowl. Place popcorn in a serving bowl and spray lightly with cooking spray. Sprinkle about 2 teaspoons (or to taste) of the mix over popcorn and toss to distribute evenly. Store leftover seasoning mix in an airtight container for future use.

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