Popcorn Trivia

Please note that I am getting ready for my cruise, working nonstop and my Amazon account is not"live" at this time.

By the time Europeans arrived in the New World, more than 700 varieties of popcorn were grown by Native American tribes in both Americas.  Clay or metal cooking vessels were sometimes used-the Chicago Natural History Museum has a number of pre-Incan 1,500-year-old popcorn poppers.

During expeditions in 1948, ears of popcorn up to 2 inches long were found in Bat Cave in west central New Mexico.  The tiny ears have been identified by radio-carbon tests to be about 5,600 years old. 

Popcorn comes in the common colors of yellow and white kernels, but you can also find it in purple, rusty red and black/blue, but when popped it is still only yellow or white.

Popcorn is only a skinny 27 calories per cup and endorsed by the American Cancer Society and the American Dental Association as a wholesome snack.

You can findbook on my Amazon storefront www.amazon.com/stores/oneofakindcookbooks for $12.99.

This recipe for Caramel Fudge Popcorn, sounded too good to be true, so I had to try it.  Mmm.

Caramel Fudge Popcorn

1 14 oz package light caramel candies

2 tbsp heavy cream

3 quarts popped corn

1 6 oz pkg semisweet chocolate chips

In a 3-quart microwave-safe casserole, combine caramel squares and heavy cream.  Cover with lid or plastic wrap.  Microwave on high for 3 minutes, stirring after every minute, until mixture comes to a boil.

Pour caramel sauce over popcorn, stirring to coat evenly.  Quickly stir in chocolate chips.  Transfer mixture to a large sheet of aluminum foil.  When cool, break into small clusters.  Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

Happy Cooking!