Today is National Popcorn Day

January 19 is a day to honor one of America’s oldest and most beloved snack foods (not that anyone really needs an excuse to celebrate popcorn). Whether you pop up a bowl to binge watch your latest obsession or spend the day creating culinary whole-grain masterpieces to feed friends, you can’t go wrong when popcorn is the star of the day.

Here’s a twist on a classic, sweet and crunchy snack – with maximum flavor from kisses of warm cinnamon and maple atop mounds of popcorn and nuts.

CINNAMON POPCORN CRUNCH

Makes: 12 cups

Ingredients:

12 cups unsalted, unbuttered popped popcorn

1/3 cup chopped unsalted almonds, coarsely chopped

1/3 cup chopped unsalted cashews, coarsely chopped

1/3 cup chopped unsalted pecans, coarsely chopped 1/2 cup butter 1/2 cup coconut sugar 1/2 cup maple syrup 1/4 cup brown rice syrup 1 tsp salt 1/2 tsp cinnamon

Directions:

1. In large mixing bowl, combine popcorn, almonds, cashews and pecans.

2. In saucepan, combine butter, sugar, maple syrup, brown rice syrup, 1/4 cup water, salt and cinnamon; bring to boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Cook until mixture reaches hard crack stage (295°F).

3. Slowly pour syrup in thin stream over popcorn mixture. Toss gently to coat evenly. Let cool; break into large chunks.

Tip: Add dried fruit, such as cranberries or mangoes, if desired.

More recipes at www.popcorn.org.