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When most people think of popcorn, they immediately think, movie snack! But did you know that historically, popcorn has been used as more than a snack option? This delicious treat was once a popular breakfast food! Nowadays, it is used in appetizers, salads, and even desserts. Check out these four ways you can add popcorn to enhance your upcoming holiday dinner.

       1. Appetizer: Popcorn As An Appetizer

This is one of the easiest ways to enjoy your holiday dinner with family and friends. The simplest way to add popcorn into your meal is as an appetizer. While this may seem unusual, it can be incredibly delicious! You could create your own popcorn appetizers like Tabasco honey-buttered popcorn or Bacon Caramel popcorn balls. If you’re like me, however, and you want the easy (yet still delicious and handmade) way out, look no further than McClain Cellars. Our luxury artisan popcorn is a crowd-pleaser! With four decadent flavors including Black Truffle and Garlic or Garlic Pepper and Rosemary, you can check off your appetizer box with confidence.

     2. Salad: Popcorn As Part of Your Salad

Another way to enjoy popcorn during your holiday meal is as part of a salad. The great thing about adding it to your salad is that you can use different flavors of popcorn to manipulate the flavor. Here’s a savory and unique salad recipe that includes popcorn as the star ingredient! This recipe is called Zesty Popcorn Bacon Salad and includes chestnuts, carrots, chives, mayo, and bacon. In a large bowl, mix 3/4 cups of mayonnaise, 1 cup of diced celery, 1/2 cup bacon, 1/4 cup of shredded carrots, and 2 tbsp of chives. Add 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 8 ounces water chestnuts, and 6 cups of McClains Garlic Pepper and Rosemary popcorn. Toss well to coat evenly. Sprinkle with remaining cheese and bacon and serve immediately.

3. Dessert: Popcorn As Part Of Your Dessert

When it comes to dessert, what would Christmas or any other holiday be without a delicious treat? There are a plethora of popcorn-based desserts, but we’ll give you a few, simple ideas to take any regular dessert to the next level. Use our Sweet Caramel and Brown Sugar popcorn as a crumble topping or even as part of a trifle. For example, you could create a topping for your favorite peach cobbler or top off some cupcakes. Another easy way to include popcorn as part of a dessert is to top a bowl of ice cream with it. This would also be a great way to include popcorn during the summer months.

4. After Dinner: Popcorn As An After-Dinner Snack

Although not an actual dinner item, this snack idea counts as part of your holiday treat! Popcorn can be the perfect post-dinner snack because it is not filling but provides that perfectly satisfying crunch that you are looking for. Plus, there are many flavors of popcorn that you can try depending on your mood. Pair it with a glass of wine for an epic movie or game night and you’re all set!

Popcorn can truly be enjoyed throughout the year, especially during this time of year when we gather together with family to share love and food. You could easily include these recipes into your meal, whether it be for a side dish or the main course. So, whether you enjoy popcorn while watching a movie, as a crunchy topping on your salad, in your cobbler, or after dinner with some hot cocoa – add popcorn to your holiday meal and enjoy all that delicious food has to offer.