Start with air-popped or microwaved (not the kind you get at the market) popcorn. You want the lightest, fluffiest result without oil.

Then, to get the flavors to stick to your popcorn, try putting the popped kernels in a large bowl and spraying them two or three times with cooking spray, tossing after each spray. Add one of these spice mixtures or just salt, toss again, and your popcorn is ready to enjoy.

About unpopped kernels: It is the superheated water vapor in the kernels that blows them up, and too many unpopped kernels are a sign of dried-out popcorn. Store popcorn in an air-tight container at room temperature for no longer than six months. Don’t store it in the freezer or refrigerator since the chill can dry out the kernels.

If you’re getting too many unpopped kernels, next time drop the kernels in a jar, add a tablespoon of water, cover and shake vigorously for a minute or two. Drain off any excess moisture and pop. They should pop much better.

Southwestern Spiced Popcorn

Makes 4 servings

POINTS® value per 2-cup serving: 1 (note: a 1-cup serving has a POINTS value of 0)

Ingredients

• 8 cups air-popped popcorn

• Nonstick spray

• 2 tsp chili powder

• 1 tsp ground cumin

• 1 tsp paprika, preferably smoked paprika

• 1 tsp salt

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

Instructions

1. Place popcorn in a large bowl; spray with nonstick spray, tossing well.

2. In a small bowl, stir together the chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt and garlic powder. Sprinkle over the popcorn, tossing all the while, until well coated.

Cinnamon-Spice Popcorn

Makes 4 servings

POINTS® value per 2-cup serving: 1 (note: a 1-cup serving has a POINTS value of 1)

Ingredients

• 8 cups air-popped popcorn

• Nonstick spray

• 1/4 cup powdered sugar

• 2 tsp ground cinnamon

• 1/4 tsp ground or freshly grated nutmeg

• 1/4 tsp ground allspice

Instructions

1. Place the popcorn in a large bowl; spray with nonstick spray, tossing well.

2. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice. Sprinkle over the popcorn, tossing all the while until well coated.

Parmesan-Thyme Popcorn

Makes 4 servings

POINTS® value per 2-cup serving: 2 (note: a 1-cup serving has a POINTS value of 1)

Ingredients

• 8 cups air-popped popcorn

• Nonstick spray

• 1/4 cup finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano

• 2 tsp dried thyme

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

• 1/2 tsp salt

Instructions

1. Place the popcorn in a large bowl; spray with nonstick spray, tossing well.

2. In a small bowl, mix together the cheese, thyme, garlic powder and salt, then sprinkle over the popcorn, tossing all the while until well coated.

Greek-Spiced Popcorn

Makes 4 servings

POINTS® value per 2-cup serving: 1 (note: a 1-cup serving has a POINTS value of 0)

Ingredients

• 8 cups air-popped popcorn

• Nonstick spray

• 1 Tbsp dried dill

• 1 Tbsp dried ground lemon peel

• 1 tsp salt

• 1/2 tsp onion powder

Instructions

1. Place the popcorn in a large bowl; spray with nonstick spray, tossing well.

2. In a small bowl, whisk together the dill, dried ground lemon peel, salt and onion powder. Toss the spice mixture with the popcorn until well coated.

Ranch Popcorn

Makes 4 servings

POINTS® value per 2-cup serving: 1 (note: a 1-cup serving has a POINTS value of 1)

Ingredients

• 8 cups air-popped popcorn

• Nonstick spray

• 2 Tbsp dry buttermilk

• 3/4 tsp salt

• 1/2 tsp onion powder

• 1/2 tsp dry mustard

• 1/4 tsp garlic powder

• 1/4 tsp freshly ground pepper, preferably white pepper

Instructions

1. Place the popcorn in a large bowl; spray with nonstick spray, tossing well.

2. In a small bowl, whisk together the dry buttermilk, salt, onion powder, dry mustard, garlic powder and pepper. Sprinkle over the popcorn, tossing until well coated.

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