It’s National Popcorn Day – Hooray!

Today is a very important day for my family. My Dad was born ninety years ago today. At least we think so.

Dad wasn’t born in a hospital. Back then, most births were at home. And there really weren’t a lot of formalities when it came to birth certificates. His mother had a piece of paper that said “Baby Boy Delivered today” signed by the local doctor. That was it. When Dad enlisted in the military, they asked for his birth certificate. He gave them the note. The recruiting officer said, “No son, your birth certificate. You need to prove you were born.” Dad looked at the man for a moment and then said “What more proof do you need? I’m standing here, aren’t I?” There was no room for argument.

Dad’s all-time favorite snack is popcorn. Every year for Christmas, I give him a tin of flavored popcorn. It seems only fitting that Dad’s birthday is National Popcorn Day. Sometimes I think he keeps the popcorn industry afloat all on his own!

Here’s a recipe I know Dad would love. Besides popcorn, pops has a love for Mexican Foods. This would also make a great snack to put out for Super Bowl. Yeah, popcorn and margaritas. Sounds good to me.

Nacho Popcorn
4 bags Microwave Popcorn, popped
1/2 cup Butter, melted
2 tablespoons powdered Parmesan Cheese (from a can)
2 tablespoons dried Parsley Flakes
1 teaspoon Garlic Salt
1 teaspoon Chili Powder
5 drops Hot Pepper Sauce

Pop microwave popcorn, 1 bag at a time according to package and microwave directions. Empty each bag into a large mixing bowl and hold in a warm (170-degree) oven until all the popcorn is popped.

Place butter in a 2-cup glass measuring cup, melt in the microwave. Whisk in the parmesan cheese, parsley flakes, garlic salt and chili powder. Add drops of hot pepper sauce, a drop or so at a time. Whisk, then taste between additions. Add more to taste.

Drizzle about half of the butter over the popcorn. Toss to coat. Add remaining spiced butter, toss well. Serve and enjoy.