Idea Box: January 19th is Popcorn Day too!

Sunday, January 18, 2009

January 19th is Popcorn Day too!

As you know we posted about MLK day here. So be sure and check those out for the 19th too. Meanwhile, here's some fun recipes and activities in honor of National Popcorn Day, also on January 19th!

Tasty Recipes

On The Idea Box we have a tasty treat called Chewy Popcorn Balls, be sure to grab the instructions!

Among many other goodies at our sister site, Old Fashioned Living, you'll find some tasty treats like:

Here's a tasty treat using sunflower seeds and popcorn:

SUNFLOWER SEED SNACK

Pop 1/2 cup corn. Then lightly sauté 1/2 cup sunflower seeds in 2-3 tablespoons oil until the seeds are lightly browned. Stir in 1 cup molasses. Add 1/2 cup roasted peanuts. Simmer over low heat until the mixture is thin and bubbly. Then pour everything over the popcorn in a large bowl. Mix gently until the corn is well coated. This snack, when cooled, may be stored in an airtight container.

See more Sunflower Seed Snacks here

We checked with our friends at Annie's Recipes and they had a few to share as well. Here's some Peanut Butter Popcorn, Popcorn Balls, and climb out of your comfort zone to try this Popcorn Salad!

Alicia's Recipes had so many to share we thought you'd like to have a look for yourself. Check out Alicia's recipes using popcorn.

Fun Crafts & Activities

Make some Popcorn Hands from clear plastic gloves. Another easy idea even for little ones is to make a tree of Popcorn Apple Blossoms! For even more fun, try this Corn Cob Craft or try this 3D Crayon Picture to keep kids busy.

Your feathered friends like popcorn too! Here's some tips on feeding your backyard birds. Try these:

Easy Feeding Stations

1. Put aside as bowl or paper sack, and each day put your scraps of bread, popcorn, cereal, plain donuts or cake in the container; uncovered. Every few days spread them out in your yard on a dry day. Make sure you put them where you can watch the birds.

2. If they have an old tray or very flat pan, you can buy some inexpensive bird seed from the bulk food department at the grocery store. Each morning sprinkle a couple handfuls in the tray or pan. This way, you will be setting up a schedule for the birds to feed in your yard.

3. You can use this same seed for Seed Pinecones. Tie a piece of string or yarn to the top of a pine cone. Spread peanut butter all over the pine cone, then roll it in some of the seed you have placed on a plate or bowl. Hang it from a fence or tree branch for the birds.

Here's a great idea found at Old Fashioned Living in their article on
Teaching Preschool Science:

Popcorn Dance: Fill a small glass 3/4 full of water. Mix in 2 Tablespoons of baking soda and mix well. Add a drop or two of food coloring and add 10-15 popcorn kernels. Then add a few drops of vinegar and watch the kernels start to move in 1 -2 minutes.

If you have great recipes, crafts, activities and ideas for popcorn, post a comment and let us know!