Patriotic Popcorn

Hello and Happy Second, Third, Fourth and Fifth of July. Uh, what day are we celebrating this year? I'm mixed up. Are we supposed to do our parades, barbecues, swimming and fireworks on Saturday? And then do we sing heart-thumping patriotic hymns on Sunday? (I always wish I had a booming baritone voice to march and sing "Glory, Glory, Hallelujiah." But I also fantasize about having an emotive soprano for the national anthem-I just can't hit those high notes-"And the rockets red glare!...Oer' the land of the fre-ee-eee-eee" Can you hit them without straining any internal organs?) And what about Monday? Are we eating barbecue left-overs or do we start all over again with fresh supplies and renewed enthusiasm? Are we still waving our flags in the street and letting off smoke bombs on the Fifth? Should we maybe just make it a three day feast like the real Thanksgiving-72 hours of Par-tay. What are you doing this weekend, readers?

At least I know we will be eating this in between waving sparklers and listening to piccolo petes. It's Patriotic Popcorn, and you can try saying that ten times fast for kicks. It's a bit of a sticky, gooey mess to make it-which means that kids will love it. When I'm old and my kids are grown, I won't make anymore sticky, gooey foods. My dentures won't be able to handle it anyway, but also, it will be no fun to make a mess without pudgy little hands. Dry, bony, old hands are better for making fat-free cheesecake and broiled chicken breasts. Until then, I resolve myself to enjoy the juicy perfectly patriotic imperfection of cooking with tots. Make some this weekend-you've got three days of celebrating, so get a move on. Have a happy Fourth-uh, Third and Fifth, too. Much love, safety and sticky gooeyness to you and your families!

Patriotic Popcorn (from Kraft Recipes)

Estimated Cost:$2.50 for 8 cups

Notes:

I made two half batches of blue and red jello. Measure out 1/4 cup jello powder from each box.

8 cups popped popcorn (Use low-fat microwave popcorn)
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter or margarine
3 Tbsp. light corn syrup
1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar or granulated sugar
1 pkg. (4-serving size) JELL-O Strawberry or Blueberry Flavor Gelatin
Make It
PREHEAT oven to 300°F. Line 15x10x1-inch baking pan with foil or wax paper. Toss popcorn and peanuts in large bowl; set aside.
PLACE butter and syrup in small saucepan; cook on low heat until butter is melted. Add sugar and gelatin; stir until gelatin is completely dissolved. Bring to boil on medium heat. Reduce heat to low; simmer 5 minutes. Pour immediately over popcorn mixture; toss to coat well. Spread into prepared pan, using 2 forks to spread evenly.
BAKE 10 minutes. Cool. Remove from pan. Break into small pieces.

Next Up:

Pasta Primavera

P.S. Did you check out these hot dogs from Des News? Head over there.