Pop up holiday traditions new & old

From decorating the tree to carving the turkey, there are many time-honored holiday traditions observed by families around the country. However, the holiday season is about more than just celebrating old traditions. 

A perfect opportunity for creating new memories and, in turn, traditions, popcorn can serve as an ideal ingredient to bring family time to life. Whether wrapping the tree with garland made from the light and airy treat, filling clear ornaments with freshly popped kernels or simply popping up a bowl as a nutritious alternative to other holiday noshes, popcorn makes it easy to get hands-on while you deck the halls. 

These seasonal recipes for traditional treats like peppermint bark, popcorn balls and a more elegant take on a simple snack highlight whole-grain popcorn as the main ingredient. Find more modern takes on traditional holiday recipes at the Popcorn Board's website.

Easy, Elegant Holiday Popcorn

Yield: 8 cups

• 8 cups popped popcorn 
• 1/2 cup milk chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
• Candy sprinkles

1. Line baking sheet with wax paper and spread popcorn in thin layer on prepared pan.

2. Place chocolate chips in microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on medium 30 seconds; stir. If necessary, microwave in additional 10-second increments, stirring after each heating, until chips are melted and smooth. Drizzle over popcorn.

3. Place white chocolate chips in separate microwave-safe bowl and repeat step 2. 

4. Sprinkle desired amount of candy sprinkles over warm chocolate-coated popcorn.

5. Allow chocolate drizzles to set until firm. Break popcorn into pieces.

White Chocolate Peppermint Popcorn Bark

Yield: 1 pound

• 5 cups popped popcorn
• 12 ounces white chocolate baking chips
• 1 cup crushed hard candy peppermints

1. Cover baking pan with foil or wax paper; set aside.

2. Place popcorn in large bowl; set aside.

3. In double boiler over barely simmering water, melt chocolate, stirring until smooth.

4. Stir in crushed peppermints.

5. Pour chocolate mixture over popcorn and stir to coat.

6. Spread onto prepared pan; cool completely. When chocolate is cooled and set, break into chunks.

Cranberry Popcorn Balls

Yield: 18 balls

• 2 cups sugar
• 1 cup whole berry cranberry sauce,
• 1 tablespoon grated orange peel
• 1/2 cup cranberry juice
• 1/2 cup light corn syrup
• 1 teaspoon vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 5 quarts unsalted, popped popcorn
• Butter

1. In heavy saucepan, combine sugar, cran-berry sauce, grated orange peel, cranberry juice, corn syrup, vinegar and salt.

2. Bring to boil; lower heat and cook until temperature reaches 250 F on candy thermometer.

3. Slowly pour cranberry mixture onto hot popcorn; mix until well-coated.

4. Let stand 5 minutes, or until mixture can easily be formed into balls.

5. Butter hands and form into 3-inch balls.