• 1/4 cup popcorn kernels
  • 1 cup white chocolate chips or a chopped up white chocolate bar
  • 1 tablespoon mufti-colored nonpareils or sprinkles

For our family, the sounds of a timer ticking away, the clattering of dice across a board, and bursts of friendly laughter always bring back years of memories. You might wonder–with all of the flashy technology these days, aren’t board games a thing of the past? I think not!

During our sons teen and young adult years, our house buzzed with the sound of anticipation on some Saturday mornings. My sons would prepare for a bunch of their friends to come over for a game of ATTACK. I love these kids. Our dining room and family table would be surrounded by wonderful kids who loved playing board games especially ATTACK.

If your family enjoys playing games like Risk, this will take you over the edge. Be prepared however. This game is an all-day affair. The guys first started playing the original Attack game and then moved on the Attack expansion version.

The basic game (Attack!) is a pretty simple game of expansion and conflict set in the World War 2 era. It is aimed at those game players who enjoy rules that are very simple and easy to get into. The game is not intended to be a simulation of the era, but immerses the players in the flavor of the period.

Attack! Expansion will add quite a bit of detail while retaining playability. Players will be able to choose from many new options including (They will get 3 per turn): Moving Military Units, Playing Political Cards, Attempting a Diplomatic Blitz, Beginning a Trade Route Auction, Purchasing Units, Researching a New Technology, Trading with another Player, or a Strategic Move (Land, Sea, or Air).

What I loved most about these Saturdays was the sound of laughter, watching the kids in every corner of the house secretly discussing their plans to expand and conquer, and of course, I loved preparing all of the food.

Today my son Nathaniel will be hosting the next game at his new place. I know my kid. He’s really excited, so I made this white chocolate confetti popcorn for everyone to enjoy. Both of my boys invited me (which I thought was so nice), but I think I’ll let them enjoy a guy’s day without me this time. Although I will miss the excitement, knowing that the board game tradition goes on, the welcoming of friends into their home and the enjoyment of serving good food continues warms my heart. And, I will be their in spirit, or in this case, in the form of a bowl of white chocolate confetti popcorn.

The blessing for parents who not only prepare themselves for changes, but welcome and rejoice in them is that you get to watch your children grow and  and carry on some of the traditions and experiences that you shared with them over the years with their now-growing families. What’s even better is watching your grown children create new traditions and experiences.

So off Alex went with two bags of this colorful and yummy popcorn in hand. Hope they love it!

Isn’t that pretty! Drizzled in melted white chocolate, tossed and sprinkled with nonpareils, this popcorn is the perfect game day snack!

INSTRUCTIONS

In a double boiler or in a heatproof bowl seated over a pan filled with about 2-inches of simmering water, melt your white chocolate, stirring occasionally.

TIPS: Many folks are intimidated when it comes to melting white chocolate. There really is no need to spend extra on those melting chocolate wafers. And I honestly that they don’t’ taste as well as a good quality brand.  The key is to melt the chocolate down low and slow. I turn off the heat once the water simmers a bit. That’s all it takes. The problems comes when the water is too hot and the steam makes its’ way into the chocolate. That is what makes the chocolate seize. Another tip is adding a tablespoon of shortening. (I like using a butter-flavored shortening).

Pop your corn kernels into a large bowl, drizzle with white chocolate, toss to coat sprinkle the nonpareils or sprinkles over top and toss once more.

If you are filling bags allow the white chocolate to dry up a bit.

Enjoy!

xo Elise

What are some of your family’s favorite games to play together? Do you have favorite snacks you enjoy?

The second chapter in my cookbook, YOU NEVER COOK ALONE, Stirring Memories, Feeding Souls & Building Legacies is titled Family Game Nights. There I share our family’s experiences playing board games days (or nights) and the recipes that made these times even more memorable!