Food and Beverage

Holiday Fun with a Joyful Pop

With countless ways to enjoy the holiday season from decorating and hosting parties to wintertime activities, it’s a perfect time to bring family and friends together for some festive fun.

Published

2 years ago

November 11, 2022

Rebecca Washington

(Family Features) With countless ways to enjoy the holiday season from decorating and hosting parties to wintertime activities, it’s a perfect time to bring family and friends together for some festive fun. One simple ingredient can be your go-to for just about any tradition: popcorn, which is an inexpensive, versatile, whole grain that makes holiday occasions better.

Consider these simple seasonal ways you can let popcorn fuel your holiday adventures.

Decorate

Strings of popcorn and cranberries add a nostalgic touch to the family tree while making popcorn trees adds whimsy to the table. Before stringing popcorn, let it sit out for a day or two as freshly popped popcorn may be too fragile to thread without breaking. Push a threaded needle through the center of each kernel then pull the kernel to the end of the knotted thread, adding an occasional cranberry, if desired. Festive trees can be made using popcorn mixed with melted marshmallows then shaped and finished with sprinkles.

Give It as a Gift

If it’s your turn to host this year’s holiday party, popcorn makes for a perfect party favor. Pop up a delicious treat like these Cranberry Popcorn Balls, place them in pretty jars or neatly wrap them then finish each with a bow. For an added touch, include the recipe instructions and popcorn kernels in a separate container so your guests can make it at home.

Enjoy It as a Snack

Freshly popped popcorn is a simple and delicious snack to share after a day of shopping, caroling, sledding or decorating. You can take the holiday season up a notch with creative recipes like Gingersnap Popcorn Snack Mix, White Chocolate Peppermint Popcorn Bark and Easy, Elegant Holiday Popcorn. These treats are perfect for popping up in the morning so the snacks are ready once guests arrive.

Visit Popcorn.org to find more sweet, salty and savory holiday recipe ideas.

Gingersnap Popcorn Snack Mix

Yield: 2 quarts

2 quarts popped popcorn
butter-flavored nonstick cooking spray
1/3 cup granulated sugar substitute
2 teaspoons ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black or white pepper

Preheat oven to 325 F.
Spread popcorn on baking sheet and spray lightly with nonstick cooking spray.
In small bowl, combine sugar substitute, ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves and freshly ground pepper; sprinkle evenly over popcorn.
Spray again with nonstick cooking spray and toss to coat evenly.
Bake 7 minutes and serve warm.

Easy, Elegant Holiday Popcorn

Yield: 8 cups

8 cups popped popcorn
1/2 cup milk chocolate chips
1/2 cup white chocolate chips
candy sprinkles

On serving platter, spread popcorn in thin layer.
Over double boiler or in microwave, melt milk chocolate chips. Drizzle over popcorn.
Over double boiler or in microwave, melt white chocolate chips. Drizzle over popcorn.
Sprinkle candy sprinkles over warm, chocolate-coated popcorn. Allow drizzles to set until firm.

White Chocolate Peppermint Popcorn Bark

Yield: 1 pound

5 cups popped popcorn
12 ounces white chocolate baking chips, chopped white chocolate or white candy coating
1 cup crushed hard candy peppermints

Cover baking pan with foil or wax paper; set aside.
Place popcorn in large bowl; set aside.
In double boiler over barely simmering water, melt chocolate, stirring until smooth, or melt according to package directions.
Stir in crushed peppermints after chocolate is melted. Pour chocolate mixture over popcorn mixture and stir to coat. Spread onto prepared pan; cool completely.
When chocolate is cooled and set, break into chunks for serving.
Store in airtight container at room temperature.

Cranberry Popcorn Balls

Yield: 18 balls

2 cups sugar
1 cup whole berry cranberry sauce, slightly mashed
1 tablespoon grated orange peel
1/2 cup cranberry juice
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1 teaspoon vinegar
1/2 teaspoon salt
5 quarts unsalted popped popcorn

In heavy saucepan, combine sugar, cranberry sauce, orange peel, cranberry juice, corn syrup, vinegar and salt. Bring to boil; lower heat and cook to 250 F on candy thermometer.
Mixture will bubble in pan; watch to keep from boiling over.
Pour slowly onto hot popcorn and mix until well-coated.
Let stand 5 minutes, or until mixture can easily be formed into balls.
Butter hands and form into 3-inch balls.

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SOURCE:
Popcorn Board

At our core, we at STM Daily News, strive to keep you informed and inspired with the freshest content on all things food and beverage. From mouthwatering recipes to intriguing articles, we’re here to satisfy your appetite for culinary knowledge.

Visit our Food & Drink section to get the latest on Foodie News and recipes, offering a delightful blend of culinary inspiration and gastronomic trends to elevate your dining experience.

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Author

Rebecca Washington

Rebecca Jo is a mother of four and is a creative soul from Phoenix, Arizona, who also enjoys new adventures. Rebecca Jo has a passion for the outdoors and indulges in activities like camping, fishing, hunting and riding roller coasters. She is married to Rod Washington View all posts

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Rebecca Washington

Rebecca Jo is a mother of four and is a creative soul from Phoenix, Arizona, who also enjoys new adventures. Rebecca Jo has a passion for the outdoors and indulges in activities like camping, fishing, hunting and riding roller coasters. She is married to Rod Washington

Food and Beverage

Turn a Favorite Spring Veggie into a Stellar Soup

Published

6 hours ago

April 23, 2025

Daily News Staff

(Family Features) If you’re in need of a soup outside the usual mushroom or celery varieties, turn to another springtime favorite: carrots. More than just a veggie you can serve with dip, they’re creamy, delicious and pair well with ginger in this Creamy Carrot Soup. Discover more easy recipes for family meals at Culinary.net. 17435 carrot soup detail image embed1

Creamy Carrot Soup

Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy” Servings: 4-6

2 cans (14 ounces each) carrots
2 cups broth of choice
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
2 teaspoons ginger
1/4 cup orange juice
1/4 cup heavy cream
salt, to taste
pepper, to taste
honey
BLT wraps, for serving

In blender, blend canned carrots, including juices, until smooth. Transfer to pot and add broth.
Mix in brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, ginger and orange juice. Bring to simmer then add cream. Add salt and pepper, to taste.
Drizzle honey over each bowl. Serve with BLT wraps.

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SOURCE: Culinary.net

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Food and Beverage

White Castle Unveils a Bounce House (er, Castle) as Part of Its New Line of Branded Merchandise for Spring 2025

Published

10 hours ago

April 22, 2025

Daily News Staff

New merch collection also includes White Castle tin lunchbox, pickleball paddle set, playing cards, T-shirts and more.

COLUMBUS, Ohio, April 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — White Castle is helping customers take their legendary Crave to new heights with the launch of a brand-new line of merchandise. The crown jewel of the spring 2025 collection? An 8-foot-tall bouncy castle with a design inspired by, you guessed it, an actual White Castle! This inflatable fun house reinforces that White Castle isn’t just about satisfying Cravings — it’s about creating memorable moments, too.

White Castle is introducing a bounce castle as part of its new line of spring 2025 merchandise.

“Our House of Crave merchandise team really outdid themselves for this spring 2025 collection,” said Jamie Richardson, vice president at White Castle. “Looking ahead to the nicer weather, there is no more epic way to celebrate than with a Castle of your own!” The one-of-a-kind White Castle Bouncy Castle is made to order and, at 12′ x 12′ x 8′ feet, is sized for Cravers of all ages. The new spring collection of merch, which is available exclusively at White Castle’s online store, House of Crave, also includes an array of smaller, though equally exciting, items:

A tin lunchbox. Retro meets modern with a never-before offered classic tin lunchbox. It’s perfect for Cravers of all ages, whether used for packing lunch, storing collectibles, or just showing off an affection for White Castle’s iconic Sliders.
Pickleball paddle set. As the home of The Original Slider^®, White Castle is well-suited to help with your slide action on the pickleball court. Pick up a pair of these paddles and slide away!
Playing cards. No tricks here, just a simple deck of White Castle-branded playing cards.
“Only Beef” T-shirt. Proclaiming “The only beef between us is this Slider,” this T-shirt is best bought in pairs.
Knight-time craver T-shirt. “Dost thou even crave?” asks the knight who adorns this grey T-shirt holding a tray of Sliders.
A “Follow Your Crave” horn. This long plastic blue horn, similar to a vuvuzela (think soccer stadium noisemaker), can be blown when the Craving hits — or at any time, for that matter.
Pint glass. Raise this pint glass, painted with the White Castle logo, and toast to memorable moments.
Bucket hat. Anyone wearing this soft, wide-brimmed bucket hat, adorned with the White Castle logo, will look super cool eating Sliders.

White Castle’s House of Crave online store features dozens more White Castle-branded items, from tote bags, tumblers and ornaments to bathrobes, ballcaps and bathing suits. New items will be released seasonally throughout the year. “We have so many customers who are passionate about White Castle, and our House of Crave merchandise reflects that enthusiasm,” Richardson said. “From eye-catching apparel to fun collectibles, our online store offers a variety of unique items that allow our devoted fans to celebrate their love for White Castle any day of the week!” About White Castle^® White Castle, America’s first fast-food hamburger chain, has been making hot and tasty Sliders since 1921. Based in Columbus, Ohio, the family-owned business owns and operates about 340 restaurants as well as a retail division providing its famous fare in freezer aisles of retail stores nationwide. As part of its commitment to offering the highest quality products, White Castle owns and operates its own Slider Provider meat plants, bakeries and frozen-Slider retail plants. White Castle has earned numerous accolades over the years including Time magazine’s “Most Influential Burger of All Time” (2014, The Original Slider^®) and Thrillist‘s “Best Plant-Based Fast-Food Burger” (2019, Impossible^™ Slider). In 2021, Fast Company named the fast-food pioneer one of the “10 Most Innovative Dining Companies.” White Castle is known for the legendary engagement of its team members and has received the Great Place to Work^® Certification™ for an extraordinary four consecutive years spanning 2021–2024. White Castle is beloved by its passionate fans (Cravers), many of whom compete each year for entry into the Cravers Hall of Fame. The official White Castle app makes it easy for Cravers to sign up for the CRAVER NATION REWARDS™ loyalty program, access sweet deals and place pickup orders at any time. For more information on White Castle and how to Follow Your Crave, visit whitecastle.com. SOURCE White Castle

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Food and Beverage

Serve a Warming, Roasted Soup

Published

3 days ago

April 20, 2025

Daily News Staff

17436 VID Roasted Tomato Soup Detail Intro Image

Serve a Warming, Roasted Soup

(Family Features) On those unpredictably chilly spring days, you may long for a warming meal. Try this Roasted Tomato Soup for an easy, savory option that pairs well with a grilled cheese sandwich then find more delicious soup recipes at Culinary.net.

Watch video to see how to make this recipe!

17436 VID Roasted Tomato Soup detail Image Embed

Roasted Tomato Soup Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy” Servings: 4-6

3 pounds tomatoes
1/2 onion (optional)
1 garlic bulb (optional)
1 tablespoon garlic powder
2 teaspoons onion powder
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon mesquite seasoning
avocado oil
1 1/2 cups broth of choice
1 cup heavy whipping cream
salt, to taste
pepper, to taste
grilled cheese sandwiches, for serving (optional)

Heat oven to 375 F.
Slice tomatoes. Slice onions and garlic, if desired. Place in baking dish.
Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, sugar and mesquite seasoning over tomatoes. Drizzle avocado oil over top and mix well.
Bake about 1 hour. Blend until smooth.
Pour into pot and mix in broth and whipping cream. Bring to simmer and add salt and pepper, to taste.
Serve with grilled cheese sandwiches, if desired.