Popcorn for breakfast?

Popcorn: A Fun, Easy Snack with Digestive Benefits

Popcorn has always been a classic, fun snack that brings people together. Whether you’re settling in for a movie night or looking for a light, crunchy treat, popcorn fits the bill. But beyond its nostalgic charm, popcorn is also a whole grain packed with fiber, making it a fantastic choice for your digestive health. That’s right! This humble snack not only satisfies cravings but can also help keep your digestive system running smoothly.

Whole grains, like popcorn, are rich in dietary fiber. Fiber plays a key role in promoting healthy digestion by adding bulk to your stool and keeping things moving efficiently through your digestive tract. Plus, popcorn is low in calories, making it a guilt-free indulgence!

To celebrate this versatile snack, I’m sharing a special recipe from my book, Popcorn Party. It’s a tasty twist on classic flavors, and with a fabulous upgrade from my dear friend of 30 years, Deborah Murray who many of you know from her incredible culinary collaborations with Wolfgang Puck.

Deb’s upgrade transforms this French Toast Popcorn from a sweet snack into a treat you could even enjoy for breakfast! Let’s get popping!

French Toast Popcorn with a Cinnamon Toast Crunch Drizzle

Ingredients:

• 10 cups popped popcorn
• 4 tablespoons melted butter
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 heaping tablespoon cinnamon
• Pinch of salt (optional)
• Deborah’s Upgrade: Cinnamon French Toast Icing and Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal, crumbled

Directions:

1. Prepare Popcorn: Pop 10 cups of your favorite popcorn and place it in a large mixing bowl. Add a pinch of salt if desired.
2. Make Cinnamon-Sugar Mix: In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon.
3. Butter Drizzle: Melt 4 tablespoons of butter. Slowly drizzle the melted butter over the popcorn, gently tossing to ensure even coverage.
4. Cinnamon-Sugar Sprinkle: Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the buttered popcorn and toss well to coat evenly.
5. Deb’s Upgrade: Melt store-bought Cinnamon French Toast Icing in 30-second increments. Drizzle the icing over the popcorn.
6. Cereal Crumble: Finish by crumbling Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal over the top for an added crunch and flavor boost.
7. Serve & Enjoy: Spread the popcorn on a parchment-lined baking sheet and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this sweet, crunchy popcorn at any time of day!

Serving Suggestions:

• Movie Night Snack: A sweet and crunchy treat for family movie time.
• Brunch Dessert: Serve alongside pancakes or waffles for a fun twist on breakfast flavors.
• Party Favorite: This popcorn makes a great addition to any gathering, from kids’ parties to adult get-togethers.

Nutritional Benefits:

• Digestive Health: As a whole grain, popcorn is naturally high in fiber, which aids in digestion and can help prevent constipation.
• Low-Calorie Option: Air-popped popcorn without added butter or sugar is low in calories, making it a great option for those mindful of their intake.
• Healthy Fats (with moderation): The small amount of butter adds flavor without going overboard on fat content.

A big thank you to Deborah for her delicious upgrade to this recipe! Now you have another reason to make popcorn, whether it’s for breakfast, dessert, or a fun snack anytime. Popcorn can be more than just a side snack—it can be a memorable part of your day!

Enjoy popping!