Pass the butter: Happy National Popcorn Day

Even the National Popcorn Board (really) is unclear about the origin of National Popcorn Day, which might be today, or the day of the Super Bowl; yes, even the date is unclear. Me, I'm happy to cram down a bowlful on both dates, just to be sure.

January is a good time for the celebration for at least three reasons. This is the month where we pay the plastic piper for the extravagance of the Christmas season, and popcorn is a good budget snack alternative.

It can also be a filling and relatively low-calorie choice for those of us attempting to shed the yes-mom-I'll-have-some-eggnog-and-cookie pounds that came with the holidays.