Popping up sweet summer treats

When the weather is warm and it’s time for a sweet treat, look for seasonal goodies that complement summertime fun. For example, reach for an option like whole-grain, fluffy and crisp popcorn which can be an easy, DIY snack.

Combine sweet and salty flavors to create something delicious to devour like Coconut Popcorn Crunch Pie.

To better serve a crowd, try these Perfect Picnic Popcorn Squares at your next family pool party or summertime barbecue with friends.

For more creative, DIY popcorn recipe ideas, visit www.popcorn.org. 1/2 cup butter or margarine

1/4 cup water

2 teaspoons salt

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 quart vanilla, spumoni or butter pecan ice

cream fresh fruit, for topping (optional) chocolate sauce, for topping (optional)

In large, buttered bowl, mix popcorn and coconut. In saucepan, combine sugar, syrup, butter, water and salt. Bring to boil over low heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Continue cooking until syrup reaches hard crack stage (290-295 F).

Stir in vanilla. Pour syrup in fine stream over popcorn mixture; stir until particles are evenly coated with syrup.

On buttered, 12-inch pizza pan, spread half of popcorn mixture in thin layer, covering bottom of pan. Mark

off into wedge-shaped servings; set aside. Repeat using remaining popcorn mixture; cool.

Cover one layer with ice cream; top with second popcorn layer. Store in freezer. To serve, cut in wedges. Serve with fruit or chocolate sauce, if desired. 1 cup reduced-fat peanut butter 3/4 cup raisins

8 cups air-popped popcorn nonstick cooking spray

Directions

In large saucepan, combine corn syrup, sugar, brown sugar and peanut butter.

Bring to boil over low heat, stirring constantly; boil 2-3 minutes. Remove saucepan from heat.

In large bowl, combine raisins and popcorn; pour hot mixture over popcorn and toss carefully with wooden spoons until well-coated.

Spray 9-by-13inch baking dish with cooking spray; press popcorn mixture into pan and cool completely.

Cut into squares and serve.