Family feasts often include tasty foods that aren’t so hot in nutrition values. Popcorn is something that gets a better rating than many others when it comes to nutrition.

It’s a whole grain food, basically a good-quality carbohydrate naturally low in fat and high in fiber. Of course, you can find it served plain or buttered, sweetened or salted or spiced, and different ways of preparation can bring other food values into play.

Simple mixes with toasted pumpkin seeds, raisins and other diced dried fruits can make appealing snacks for children. Popcorn tossed with a little butter, brown sugar and cinnamon will please sweet lovers. And a combination of popcorn, peanuts and pecans, drizzled with a little melted butter seasoned to taste with dry mustard, garlic powder and a pinch of cayenne pepper, makes a smart appetizer for a party.

Information and recipes on the Web at: www.popcorn.org