Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Popcorn Popping on the Apricot Tree

My favorite season is easily spring. The cold is gone, the trees turn green, and everything blossoms. It doesn't hurt that I live in an area where baby animals are in abundance as well. Bunnies, squirrels, deer, birds...we see all their cute little offspring roaming about.

But we especially love the blossoms!
One of our favorite springtime activities begins with a walk or drive through the neighborhood looking for blossoms. They look like popcorn popping on trees. Some of the popcorn is pink, some yellow, purple, and of course white. We choose a color, then go home and make popcorn balls!


It's something I loved to do when I was a child. I remember making them with my mother, while singing our beloved song- Popcorn Popping on the Apricot Tree.

Don't know it? Have a listen. And while you're at it...here are the lyrics and hand motions: http://broadcast.lds.org/churchmusic.../words/242.mp3

I looked out the window and what did I see? (Make hands into binoculars)
Popcorn popping on the apricot tree! (Flick fingers open and closed)
Spring has brought me such a nice surprise,
blossoms popping right before my eyes. (Flick fingers open and closed)

I could take an armful and make a treat. (Swoop arms out and bring in)
A popcorn ball that would smell so sweet! (Cup hands together to make a popcorn ball, then bring to your nose to smell it)
It wasn't really so... (Wag finger back and forth)
But it seemed to be... (Nod head)
Popcorn popping on the apricot tree! (Flick fingers out)

The very same recipe my mother used when I was little is still my favorite.
Here is the link to the recipe:

http://www.kraftrecipes.com/recipes/popcorn-balls-50637.aspx
Want to make your popcorn balls even sweeter? Make some and give them to the neighbors whose trees inspired your sweet activity. I'm sure they'll love it!