Recipes to make your Holiday Grazing fun and healthy

It’s no surprise that Americans rank Thanksgiving among one of their favorite holidays. Family, football and a feast... what's not to love?

Most people relish the traditional Thanksgiving meal, but they also appreciate a more light-and-lean day of grazing leading up to the main event. Try this idea for a Thanksgiving day snack board that's sure to satisfy and stave hunger pangs without ruining appetites.

Fill a large serving board with:

• whole grain popcorn

• fruits

• veggies & hummus

• pickles & olives

• nuts

• small sweet treats

Be sure to vary colors and textures, adding whatever appeals to your crowd.

Popcorn is:

✓ Non-GMO

There are no known GMO crops of popcorn in the U.S. All popcorn is GMO free, even if it is not labeled non-GMO.

✓ Whole Grain

Popcorn is a 100% unprocessed healthy, whole grain. It contains the bran, germ, and endosperm. One serving can provide about 70% of the recommended daily intake of whole grain.

✓ Gluten Free

Popcorn is gut friendly. It does not contain gluten.

✓ Low Fat

Popcorn is virtually fat-free (only 0.1 g per cup) and contains only 100 to 150 calories in a serving of 5 popped cups.

✓ Low Calorie

Air-popped popcorn has only 30 calories per cup; oil-popped popcorn has only 35 calories per cup.

✓ Sugar Free

Popcorn has no artificial additives or preservatives, and is sugar-free.

Popcorn adds an element of surprise and good taste to soups, chili, and even mac and cheese. Make a batch of Herbed Popcorn so guests can help themselves to this fun topping or simply eat as snack.

Recipe for Maple Pumpkin Spice Popcorn

The flavors of fall make this recipe perfect for cool crisp nights around the fire pit.

Yield: 5 cups

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar

• 2 tablespoons maple syrup

• 1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin spice mix

• 1 tablespoon butter or margarine

• 1/2 cup chopped pecans, optional

• 5 cups popped popcorn

Directions

1. In a large saucepan or pot, heat brown sugar, maple syrup and pumpkin pie spice mix over medium heat.

2. Cook, stirring, 3 minutes or until sugar is dissolved and mixture is bubbling.

3. Stir in butter until melted and well blended.

4. Add pecans, if desired, and popcorn and stir until well coated.

5. Allow mixture to cool before serving. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container.

Nutrition Facts

100 calories 4.5 g total fat 2 g saturated fat 5 mg cholesterol 20 mg sodium 16 g carbohydrates 1 g fiber 10 g sugar 1 g protein 39 mg potassium

Recipe for Cranberry & Chocolate Spiced Popcorn

Sit by the fire and warm up with this fall-inspired popcorn blend that’s sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

Yield: 8 Cups

Ingredients

• 8 cups popped popcorn

• 1 cup dried cranberries

• 1 cup toasted pumpkin seeds

• 1 1/2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted

• 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• 4 ounces dark chocolate, melted

• 1/2 teaspoon coarse sea salt

Directions

1. In large bowl, toss together popcorn, cranberries, pumpkin seeds, coconut oil, cinnamon and nutmeg.

2. Lay mixture flat on parchment paper–lined tray. Drizzle with melted chocolate and sprinkle with sea salt.

3. Let stand at room temperature for about 20 minutes or until chocolate sets. Break apart into chunks.

Popcorn Served At Thanksgiving? Historically, at the first Thanksgiving? No. There is no indication that popcorn had made its way East at the time of the earliest settlers. Today? Yes. Popcorn is a satisfying whole grain snack that won't ruin appetites.

Find more ideas and recipes at www.popcorn.org.

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