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Spooky Snacks that Make Halloween Pop

From watching scary movies to dressing up as ghouls and goblins, spooky season means it’s time to pop up your loved ones’ favorite snacks for a ghostly good time.

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Last Updated on July 14, 2024 by Daily News Staff

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(Family Features) From watching scary movies to dressing up as ghouls and goblins, spooky season means it’s time to pop up your loved ones’ favorite snacks for a ghostly good time. Before heading out to trick-or-treat, gather your minions in the kitchen for some family-friendly fun crafting these haunting yet tasty treats.

Throughout October, you can honor National Popcorn Poppin’ Month with eerie, delicious eats like Spooky Popcorn Spider Web, Green Halloween Zombies, Witchy Popcorn Balls and Popcorn Caramel Apples that add festive fun to the Halloween excitement.

As a perfect ingredient in treats of all types, popcorn is beloved for its seed-to-snack simplicity as a non-GMO, vegan, gluten-free, sugar-free snack that’s naturally low in fat and calories. Add in its irresistible smell, taste and versatility, and it’s easy to see why it pairs so well with spooky celebrations.

Find more Halloween treats at popcorn.org.

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Spooky Popcorn Spider Web

Yield: 1 spider web

  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 8 cups mini marshmallows, divided
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 9 cups popped popcorn, divided
  • 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips, divided
  • black string licorice
  • candy eyes
  1. Line round pizza pan with parchment paper; set aside. In large saucepan over low heat, melt butter; stir in 5 cups marshmallows, stirring constantly, 3-4 minutes, or until completely melted. Stir in vanilla. Remove from heat. Stir in 8 cups popcorn until coated. Spread onto prepared pizza pan in irregular round shape, about 1-inch thick, to resemble spider web. Refrigerate about 15 minutes, or until firm.
  2. In microwave, melt remaining marshmallows about 20 seconds, or until melted. Using spatula, string strands of melted marshmallow over popcorn spider web to create cobweb effect.
  3. In heatproof bowl set over saucepan of hot (not boiling) water, melt 3/4 cup chocolate chips; cool slightly. In large bowl of remaining popcorn, pour chocolate over popcorn, folding gently to coat. Spread mixture on waxed paper-lined baking sheet, separating into eight small clusters. Affix two candy eyes to each popcorn cluster. Refrigerate 10-15 minutes, or until set.
  4. Melt remaining chocolate chips. Cut licorice into 1-inch lengths. Using small spoon, dab circles of chocolate onto spider web. Affix chocolate-coated popcorn onto chocolate circles. Affix licorice lengths to chocolate popcorn clusters to resemble spider legs.
  5. Refrigerate 15 minutes, or until set. To serve, cut into smaller pieces.
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Witchy Popcorn Balls

Yield: 8 popcorn balls

  • 16 chocolate wafer cookies
  • nonstick cooking spray
  • 3 quarts popped popcorn
  • 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) butter or margarine
  • 3 cups miniature marshmallows
  • 3 tablespoons (1/2 of 3-ounce box) lime gelatin dessert mix
  • green food color (optional)
  • 3/4 cup chocolate chips
  • licorice strings
  • 8 chocolate ice cream cones
  • orange sugar sprinkles, placed in small dish
  • jelly beans
  • candy corns
  1. Spread sheet of waxed or parchment paper over work surface and place wafer cookies on it.
  2. Spray large mixing bowl with nonstick cooking spray and place popcorn inside.
  3. In medium saucepan over low heat, melt butter. Stir in marshmallows and gelatin powder until marshmallows are melted and mixture is smooth. Adjust color with 1-2 drops food color, if desired. Pour mixture over popcorn and mix until coated.
  4. Spray hands with nonstick cooking spray and press firmly to form into eight balls. Place balls on eight wafer cookies. Press candy decorations into popcorn balls to form “eyes,” “nose” and “mouth.”
  5. In small, microwave-safe bowl, heat chocolate chips, covered, 10 seconds. Stir to aid melting. Repeat as needed until chocolate is melted and smooth.
  6. Spoon about 1/2 teaspoon melted chocolate on top of each popcorn ball. Press licorice strings into chocolate to form “hair.”
  7. Dip cone edges into melted chocolate then orange sugar sprinkles. Place on remaining wafer cookies to form “witches’ hats.” Place hats on popcorn balls. Allow chocolate to set about 45 minutes before serving.
  8. Serve or seal individually in plastic wrap.
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Green Halloween Zombies

Yield: about 7 pieces

  • 2 1/2 quarts popped popcorn
  • 6 tablespoons butter or margarine
  • 3 cups mini marshmallows
  • 4 tablespoons lime gelatin powder
  • red gum balls
  • candy corn
  • flat green candy strips or fruit leather
  • green sugar sprinkles
  1. Place popcorn in large bowl; set aside.
  2. In medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Stir marshmallows into butter until melted. Stir in gelatin powder until evenly colored.
  3. Pour melted mixture over popcorn and stir until evenly coated. With buttered hands, shape popcorn into seven ovals.
  4. Flatten one oval slightly and squeeze one end to form “skull” shape. Place on parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat with remaining ovals.
  5. To decorate: Press two gumballs into each skull to form “eyes.” Press candy corn into skull to form “teeth.” Use scissors to trim candy strips and press into top for “hair.” Sprinkle with sugar sprinkles.
  6. Allow “zombies” to set about 20 minutes before wrapping individually in plastic wrap or serve immediately.
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Popcorn Caramel Apples

Yield: 4 apples

  • 1 quart freshly popped popcorn
  • 1 package (9 1/2 ounces, 35 total) caramels, unwrapped
  • 1/4 cup light cream or half-and-half
  • 4 lollipop sticks or wooden candy apple sticks
  • 4 apples
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips
  • sugar sprinkles
  • decorative ribbon (optional)
  1. Place popcorn in large bowl; set aside. Place sheet of waxed paper on work surface.
  2. In small saucepan over medium-low heat, heat caramels and cream. Stir frequently until caramels are melted and cream is blended into caramels.
  3. Push one stick into apple center and dip into caramel. Spoon caramel over apple to coat. Repeat with remaining apples
  4. Place caramel-coated apple in bowl of popcorn and press popcorn onto caramel to cover. Place apple on waxed paper to set; repeat with remaining apples.
  5. In small, resealable plastic bag, microwave chocolate chips 10 seconds and press chips to aid melting. Repeat, heating at 10-second intervals, until chips are completely melted. Cut small corner off bag and squeeze chocolate onto each apple, allowing chocolate to drip down sides. Sprinkle with sugar sprinkles.
  6. Tie bow to each apple stick, if desired. To serve, cut apples into slices.

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SOURCE:
Popcorn Board

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Food and Beverage

Easy, Restaurant-Worthy Meals for Busy Days

Restaurant-Worthy Meals: When life gets busy, your home should be a place of reprieve, not extra stress – and that includes your kitchen. In seasons like this, rather than waiting for a table at your favorite restaurant or standing in line for takeout, turn to quick, easy recipes like this Garlic Parmesan Rice and Shrimp Skillet or Egg Roll in a Bowl.

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(Feature Impact) When life gets busy, your home should be a place of reprieve, not extra stress – and that includes your kitchen. If you’re juggling work, chores, errands, hobbies, studies, a social life, caretaking or the other million-and-one things keeping your schedule full right now, the idea of spending an hour putting together a home-cooked meal might sound exhausting or downright impossible.

In seasons like this, rather than waiting for a table at your favorite restaurant or standing in line for takeout, turn to quick, easy recipes that offer nutritional balance and don’t skimp on flavor. By using pre-seasoned Minute Rice Cups – like the new, crave-worthy Garlic Parmesan to satisfy comfort cravings and Veggie Stir-Fry that lets you enjoy the flavor of takeout without the wait – you can have a flavorful base for your meals ready in 1 minute. You won’t even have to pull out the rice cooker or go scrounging in the spice cabinet.

If you’re craving a savory, cheesy dinner, this high-protein Garlic Parmesan Rice and Shrimp Skillet, ready in only 6 minutes, is an ideal choice for busy home chefs searching for that elusive balance between simple and sophisticated. Plus, the recipe can easily be adapted to your household’s tastes; try tossing some spinach or chickpeas into the skillet or swapping the shrimp for chicken or tofu.

To enjoy takeout flavors without the trip, opt for this restaurant-inspired Egg Roll in a Bowl recipe. Savor the umami notes of soy sauce and enjoy the convenience of tender onions, carrots and peas mixed into the stir-fry rice cup that forms the base of your meal. The toppings are what give this recipe its deconstructed egg roll vibe: flavorful sauteed cabbage joins crunchy wonton strips and a protein of choice for a bowl that comes together in just 20 minutes.

For more meal ideas to keep you going when life is moving quickly, visit MinuteRice.com.

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Garlic Parmesan Rice and Shrimp Skillet

Prep time: 1 minute

Cook time: 5 minutes

Servings: 1-2

  • 1          Minute Garlic Parmesan Rice Cup
  • 1          tablespoon olive oil
  • 8          ounces large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1          tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/4       teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1          tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • lemon wedges, for garnish (optional)
  1. Heat rice according to package directions.
  2. In medium skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add shrimp to skillet and cook until pink, about 3 minutes. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
  3. In same skillet, add rice, lemon juice and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine and heat through, 1 minute. Return shrimp and stir to combine.
  4. Garnish with parsley. Squeeze lemon wedge over top, if desired, and serve.

Substitution: Use sauteed mushrooms or crispy tofu to make vegetarian.

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Egg Roll in a Bowl

Prep time: 2 minutes

Cook time: 18 minutes

Servings: 2

  • 1          Minute Veggie Stir-Fry Rice Cup
  • 1/2       pound ground turkey or pork
  • 1          cup coleslaw mix
  • 1          garlic clove, minced
  • 2          tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1          teaspoon ginger, freshly grated
  • 1/2       teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1/2       cup fried wonton strips
  • 2          tablespoons sweet and sour sauce
  1. Heat rice according to package directions.
  2. In large pan, cook meat over medium heat 10 minutes, or until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease.
  3. Add coleslaw, garlic, soy sauce, ginger and sesame oil to pan. Cook 8 minutes, or until coleslaw is softened. Add rice during final 4 minutes.
  4. Top with wonton strips, drizzle sweet and sour sauce and serve.

Tip: To add more vegetables, try mushrooms, bell peppers, snap peas or green onions. For extra spice, drizzle on sriracha or hot sauce of choice. collect?v=1&tid=UA 482330 7&cid=1955551e 1975 5e52 0cdb 8516071094cd&sc=start&t=pageview&dl=http%3A%2F%2Ftrack.familyfeatures track

    

SOURCE:

Minute Rice

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Food and Beverage

Supercharge Summer Grilling with Tender Pork Chops

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(Feature Impact) If you’re planning on firing up the grill for an upcoming summer gathering, you might be trying to brainstorm options beyond the traditional burgers and dogs. Luckily, there are recipes that let you keep things interesting without becoming too complicated.

These Super Moist Boneless Pork Chops might just make you the favorite grill master in the neighborhood. Salt, sugar and aromatic ingredients like juniper berries and bay leaves give the meat a rich, complex flavor, and the combination of brining and grilling helps you achieve a tender but juicy finished product.

Since the recipe features Coleman Boneless Pork Chops, which deliver exceptional flavor from pork raised with no antibiotics ever and no added hormones, it’s easy to elevate your cookout with high-quality protein that you can feel good about serving to family and friends. Make it an extra memorable occasion with family-favorite sides like grilled asparagus, a light summer salad, diced potatoes and dinner rolls then round out your flavor-infused evening with an all-American tradition such as apple pie.

If your grilling plans get rain-checked, you can easily sear the pork chops in a skillet or bake them in the oven to take the party indoors.

Find more summer recipe ideas by visiting ColemanNatural.com.

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Super Moist Boneless Pork Chops

Prep time: 7 hours

Cook time: 40 minutes

Servings: 4

  • 1          quart water
  • 1/2       cup brown sugar
  • 1/2       cup kosher salt
  • 1          bay leaf
  • 12        juniper berries
  • 6          cups ice
  • 4          Coleman Boneless or Bone-In Pork Chops (1 1/2 inches thick)
  • 1          teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1          teaspoon sea salt
  • 2          scallions, thinly sliced, for garnish
  1. In large pot, heat water, brown sugar, kosher salt, bay leaf and juniper berries over high heat until sugar and salt are dissolved.
  2. Remove from stove and add ice. Liquid should be cool to touch.
  3. Add pork chops to liquid, cover and refrigerate 4-6 hours, or overnight.
  4. Approximately 10-15 minutes before grilling, heat grill to medium heat, remove chops from brine and pat dry with paper towels. Season with freshly ground black pepper and sea salt.
  5. Grill until desired doneness, or until internal temperature reaches at least 145 F for medium finish. Garnish with scallions. Serve with side dishes of choice
    
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SOURCE:

Coleman Natural Foods

🍴 What’s your favorite food, recipe, or dining spot? Tell us in the comments! Then subscribe to the STM Daily News newsletter for fresh recipes, restaurant news, food trends, and delicious stories delivered straight to your inbox. Join our growing community of food lovers today!

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Food and Beverage

Decadent Sticky Rice Recipes for Dessert

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Last Updated on July 9, 2026 by Daily News Staff

Decadent Sticky Rice Recipes for Dessert

Decadent Sticky Rice Recipes for Dessert

(Feature Impact) Although many people associate rice with savory dishes, this staple grain can actually level up your dessert game too. Cultures from around the world have invented a variety of creative ways to turn the sticky rice in your pantry into treats you can whip up when you’re on the prowl for something sweet.

Sticky rice, also known as sweet rice, is a specific type of short- or medium-grain rice that, as the name implies, becomes sticky when cooked. With Success Boil-in-Bag Sticky Rice, it’s simple to make sweet, soft, perfectly cooked rice for desserts without extra steps, equipment or hassle. In only 12 minutes, you’ll have an ideal base to use for your favorite recipes.

A rice-based take on a quintessential British dessert, this Sticky Toffee Pudding is decadent and full of mouthwatering flavor. With the rich sweetness of brown sugar and vanilla imbued in every bite, it’s a warm, comforting dessert you might find yourself craving on a rainy day or cold night. Take it to the next level by adding caramelized banana and toasted coconut toppings.

For a more refreshing, summery option, transport your kitchen to the tropics with this Thai-inspired Sticky Rice with Mango and Coconut. Creamy coconut-infused rice contrasts with juicy ripe mango slices, nutty black sesame seeds and cooling mint-leaf garnishes for a fun, fresh blend of textures and flavors that might have you picturing palm trees. If you’re not a mango fan, feel free to swap in a different tropical fruit of your choice.

The versatility of rice makes it an excellent mainstay to keep on hand in your kitchen, adding ease and flexibility to your daily meal routine. For more ideas on how to use rice for dessert – or for breakfast, lunch and dinner – visit SuccessRice.com.

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Sticky Toffee Pudding

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cook time: 25 minutes

Servings: 2-4

  • 1          bag Success Sticky Rice
  • 3/4       cup milk
  • 2          tablespoons brown sugar
  • 3/8       teaspoon salt, divided
  • 1          stick unsalted butter
  • 1/2       cup brown sugar
  • 1/2       cup heavy cream
  • 1/2       teaspoon vanilla extract
  • toasted coconut, for garnish

Caramelized Banana:

  • 1          tablespoon butter
  • 1          tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1          banana, sliced into coins
  • 1/4       teaspoon vanilla extract
  1. Prepare rice according to package directions.
  2. Remove rice from bag. Return to pot and stir in milk, brown sugar and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Simmer 5 minutes.
  3. In small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in sugar 2 minutes, or until dissolved. Whisk in cream and bring to simmer. Cook 5 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and remaining salt.
  4. To make caramelized banana: In medium skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar until syrupy. Add banana coins in single layer and cook 2 minutes per side until golden brown. Drizzle vanilla on top.
  5. Add rice to bowl. Pour toffee sauce on top. Garnish with caramelized bananas and coconut. Serve warm or chilled.
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Sticky Rice with Mango and Coconut

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cook time: 12 minutes

Servings: 2-4

  • 1    bag Success Sticky Rice
  • 1 1/2    cups water
  • 1 1/4    cups coconut milk, divided
  • 3 1/2    tablespoons brown sugar, divided
  • 2          mangoes, sliced
  • 1          tablespoon black sesame seeds
  • fresh mint leaves, for garnish
  1. Prepare rice according to package directions using 1 1/2 cups water, 1 cup coconut milk and 1 1/2 tablespoons brown sugar rather than 4 cups water.
  2. In separate small saucepan over medium heat, bring remaining coconut milk and brown sugar to boil. Cook, stirring often, 8-10 minutes, or until thickened and syrupy.
  3. Divide rice among four serving bowls. Arrange mango slices over top; drizzle with coconut milk syrup. Garnish with black sesame seeds and mint.

Substitution: Use pineapple, guava or papaya for mango, if desired. collect?v=1&tid=UA 482330 7&cid=1955551e 1975 5e52 0cdb 8516071094cd&sc=start&t=pageview&dl=http%3A%2F%2Ftrack.familyfeatures track

    

SOURCE:

Success Rice

🍴 What’s your favorite food, recipe, or dining spot? Tell us in the comments! Then subscribe to the STM Daily News Food and Drink newsletter for fresh recipes, restaurant news, food trends, and delicious stories delivered straight to your inbox. Join our growing community of food lovers today!

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