Popcorn: The Perfect Party Food





Popping Tips for Good Old-Fashioned Popcorn

Nothing’s better than a great batch of popcorn. Here are a few tips for perfect popping, every time.


  • Warm the heavy pan or heavy skillet. Be sure the lid of the pan is loose enough to allow steam to escape and keep the pan moving when popping popcorn on the stove.

  • Add ¼ cup of vegetable (cooking) oil to the pan. Allow the oil to heat. The best popping temperature is between 400-460 degrees Fahrenheit. Note: Oil burns at 500 degrees Fahrenheit, so if your oil starts to smoke, it’s too hot.

  • Test the heat of the oil by dropping in one or two kernels. When the kernel spins in the oil you’re ready to add the remaining popcorn. Pour just enough kernels to cover the bottom of the pan.

  • Cover and shake the pan to be certain the oil coats each kernel. When you hear the last few pops, remove the pan from the heat, take off the lid and empty the popped popcorn into a large bowl.

    • Looking to spice up your party with popcorn? Here are a few topping favorites:



    • Garlic salt

    • Parmesan cheese

    • Thyme

    • Cumin

    • Oregano

    • Dry taco seasoning mix

    • Dry ranch-style seasoning mix

    • Lemon pepper

    • Italian herbs: oregano, basil, marjoram, thyme, and crushed rosemary.

    • French herbs: marjoram, thyme, summer savory, basil, rosemary, sage, and fennel

    • Cinnamon, brown sugar, nutmeg

    There are countless tasty treats you can make using popcorn. Be creative and have fun. For more scrumptious snacking ideas, visit the popcorn people on the Web at www.popcorn.org.


    Happy Halloween Mini Popcorn Balls


    10 cups popped corn
    1 (1-lb.) bag miniature marshmallows
    1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter or margarine
    1 cup diced dried fruit (papaya, mango or peaches)
    1 cup butterscotch chips
    Orange food coloring



    • Place popcorn, fruit and butterscotch chips in large bowl; set aside.

    • Heat marshmallows and butter in a large saucepan over low heat until melted and smooth. Stir in several drops of food coloring. Pour over popcorn, fruit and candy, tossing to coat evenly. Cool 5 minutes.

    • Grease hands and form into 3-inch balls.

    Yield: About 16 balls


    Nutritional Information:
    (Based on 1 serving)

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