The Easiest Holiday Gift

 ​We’ve got the perfect gift idea for the friends, neighbors, teachers, and coworkers in your life. You want to give them something to let them know you care, and you also don’t want to break the bank. Food is a good choice, but many people are overloaded (and overstuffed) with cookies, cakes, candies, and other treats this time of year.
 
Our gift of choice? Popcorn! There are tons of flavor choices, and you can throw it together for less than $2 per gift. $2 DOLLARS! All you need is popcorn kernels, canola oil, a gift bag, and seasoning (see recipes below for options). As an added bonus - popcorn is a whole grain that is high in fiber and makes a healthy snack!

Basic Popcorn Recipe

Makes: about 16 cups

Ingredients

• ½ cup popcorn kernels
• ¼ cup canola oil

Instructions

1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat (pot should have a lid). Add 3-4 kernels of popcorn.
2. Once all the kernels pop, add the rest of the kernels.
3. Put the lid on the pot and constantly shake the pot back and forth quickly over the heat (to keep popcorn from burning).
4. Remove from heat once popping has nearly stopped.

Stumped on picking a container? 

​Here are some ideas:

• coffee tin wrapped with wrapping paper
• paper lunch sack
• large plastic storage bags 
• cellophane bags

​​Tie on ribbon or twine to make it pretty, if you'd like. You can even have the kids color the package or add stickers as a final touch.​

Kettle Corn

Extra ingredients:

• ¼ cup sugar

Follow directions above for basic popcorn, but add sugar in with kernels in step 2.

Chili Popcorn

Follow directions for basic popcorn. Add 4 Tbs (more or less) of our Chili Seasoning Mix to the pot after removing from heat in step 4. Stir to coat.

Taco Popcorn

Follow directions for basic popcorn. Add 4 Tbs (more or less) of our Taco Seasoning to the pot after removing from heat in step 4. Stir to coat.

Ranch Popcorn

Follow directions for basic popcorn. Add 4 Tbs (more or less) of our Healthy Ranch Dressing Mix to the pot after removing from heat in step 4. Stir to coat.