Popcorn is an amazing multi-sensory experience. Plus it’s tasty and, as long as you don’t coat it in loads of salt and sugar, good for you too.

We love popping our own corn, it’s great for the children to watch and listen to.

Bags of popping corn are super cheap and last well. It is so easy to think you’ve only taken a small amount and once it starts popping the pan is overflowing and the kids laugh as you grab a bowl and try to syphon some off the top whilst trying to stop it flying everywhere as it’s still popping away!

You can leave it plain or flavour it as you want, controlling the salt and sugar. Try sprinkling with cinnamon, garam masala, sweet smoked paprika or fresh thyme. Or, how about making up a marmite butter to coat it?

Once popped, store it in an airtight container and grab some when needed – make enough to see you through the week. I recommend storing it plain and flavouring it as you go to ensure freshness.

I like to serve popcorn as a snack with a little fruit and a few veg sticks or baby tomatoes, for example. Or, if you flavoured your popcorn with marmite, how about grating over some cheese?

You can also add it to a snack mix with nuts and seeds and/or dried fruits. Check out my savoury snack mix recipe.

I also serve it at mealtimes for the children to sprinkle over their meals or to have on the side. It adds interest, ensures there’s a safe food available and allows them the opportunity to top up on nutrients they might have missed at another meal.

I was once served popcorn at a restaurant on top of a sweetcorn chowder – game changer!!