The holiday rush is on! There are at least two dozen small details to see to and you have just realized that you need some last minute gifts for teachers, neighbors and acquaintances! Aauuuuugh! But have hope. . . there is an easy solution to your dilemma. The solution is right in your cupboard in the form of *popcorn*. With just a little popcorn and a handful of other ingredients which are on hand, you can fill baggies or inexpensive containers with a great-tasting treat. The following two recipes are both great gifts. Please enjoy them as my gift to you from Real Food for Real People!

Pecan-Honey Popcorn

• 3 qts. popped popcorn (no kernels)
• 2 cups pecan halves
• 1/2 cup butter or margarine
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1 t. vanilla

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Combine popcorn and nuts in large heat-proof bowl; set aside. Combine butter, honey and vanilla in small saucepan.
Cook over medium heat until butter melts. Pour honey mixture over popcorn mixture.
Stir until combined. Divide mixture and place on 2 baking sheets. Bake 15 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes, until light golden brown.

Barbecued Popcorn

• 6 T. popcorn - popped in an air popper 1/3 cup margarine
• 3 T. chili sauce
• 1 T. onion powder
• 1 t. chili powder
• 1/2 t. salt
• 2 T. grated Parmesan cheese

Place popcorn in large bowl. In small saucepan, melt margarine. Stir in chili sauce, onion and chili powder and salt. Pour chili mixture gradually over popcorn, tossing to mix well. Sprinkle with cheese and toss.

You can find more popcorn recipes as well as other ideas for gift giving on the Real Food for Real People website. You may subscribe to receive recipes daily by sending a blank email message to: realfood-on@mail-list.com.

Do you have a time or money saving idea that wasn't included in this article? Please send it to tips @stretcher.com. We get the best ideas from our readers!

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