Recent research indicates that plain popcorn provides the goodness of whole grains, including fiber and antioxidants. One cup of plain popcorn provides 30 calories. If you Google the vitamin and mineral content, you will be impressed. To benefit from popcorn, just pop your corn, with no added ingredients. Then, use your imagination to create healthy, interesting toppings.

I have been popping corn for decades in my old, and slightly tired, hot air popper. Rumour has it that newer hot air poppers aren’t as good as the old ones. This morning, I tested a new microwave corn popper, which doesn’t require oil. I placed ⅓ cup of popping corn into the special bowl and cooked it on high for 2 ½ minutes. Every kernel popped and the crunch was wonderful. The magic is in the perfectly vented lid. My mind flooded with creative ideas.

I added low fat mozzarella cheese over a small bowl of popcorn and ate it for breakfast. I have often served popcorn and cheese with wine before dinner. Today, I discovered it goes well with coffee, too.

Mid-morning, I added blueberries and a bit of yogurt to another bowl. I tasted it, loved it, and ate that, too. I had some Italian Seasoned Olive Oil on hand and splashed a little over some popcorn and decided that would be delicious as an appetizer, later in the day. In case you think I have become a serious popcorn addict, let me assure you, I was experimenting for this blog.

If you are craving crunch, there is no need to grab chips or cookies. Popcorn can be ready in 2 ½ minutes. I bought my microwave popper at my local specialty kitchen shop. I love it! I will be giving these poppers as hostess gifts this summer, filled with popped corn, of course.

I like seasoned popcorn floating on soup; imagine…basil-sprinkled popcorn on tomato soup. Remove the popcorn from the popper and heat your soup in the same big bowl. The instructions say this popper is great for heating soups and stews in the microwave, and that is true.

Of course, if you want a fast dessert or a great gift idea, make my Popcorn in Caramel Sauce. As 95 year old Marjorie Haddock says, while helping herself to a little bag of this delicious snack, “Everything in moderation, Maureen.”