POPCORN: Jan. 19 is National Popcorn Day!

The Popcorn Board offers a recipe to celebrate — Popcorn party cake!

Ingredients: 4 quarts plain popped popcorn, 3/4 cup peanuts, 3/4 cup gum drops or gummy candies, 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter or margarine, 1/4 cup light corn syrup, 1 cup brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, 3/4 cup small sugar-coated candies (M&M’s, Smartees, etc.), and assorted lollipops

Directions: In a large bowl that has been sprayed with cooking spray, place popcorn, peanuts and gum drops; set aside. Lightly spray a bundt pan with cooking spray; set aside.

Heat butter, corn syrup and brown sugar in a large saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly. Bring mixture to a boil and cook, stirring constantly, 2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Pour hot syrup over the popcorn mixture and quickly stir to coat thoroughly.

Add small candies and quickly stir just until evenly distributed. Spoon into bundt pan; gently pushing mixture into pan.

Cover pan lightly and allow to cool at room temperature 4 hours or longer.

Invert cake onto serving platter. Push lollipops onto the top of the cake before serving.

Wow, we could see kids loving that, but it might be a bit much for most adults.

How about some cinnamon-chocolate popcorn?

Ingredients: 3 quarts popped popcorn, Butter-flavored cooking spray, 9 tablespoons powdered cocoa mix (cocoa sweetened with sugar or sugar substitute), 3 teaspoon cinnamon

Directions: Put popcorn in a large bowl and lightly spray with cooking spray. Sprinkle cocoa mix and cinnamon on popcorn. Toss to coat evenly. Spray and toss again until mixture is well coated. Serve immediately.