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I don't mind watching football--it's a game I understand and have actually played many times--but for me, the big draw to any game is the food being offered!

I suppose nearly everyone has a favorite football team, whether they're based in or near the city in which you grew up, the guys with the most attractive jerseys (or faces...), or the athletes your mom or dad enthusiastically followed. In my case, I tended to root for the team my older brother liked, and i we changed allegiances fairly often. Regardless, football is a blast to watch, especially when there are snacks within arm's reach.

One of my favorite football foods is popcorn--it's easy, fast, versatile, and relatively nutritious. Orville Redenbacher® in particular strives to make their popcorn be the best quality for the occasions that are most cherished, and I turn to their products for noshing time and time again.

I doctored up a bag of Orville Redenbacher Movie Theater Butter popcorn for our latest football-watching extravaganza. Since my husband and I both LOVE Mexican street corn (an ear of corn that's grilled and slathered in a spicy mayonnaise spread, sprinkled with crumbly cheese and cilantro, and served with a lime wedge), I was inspired to translate that into a batch of flavored popcorn.

It was so easy! I popped the corn according to the directions on the bag, then tossed it in a mixture of melted butter, mayonnaise, lime juice, and hot sauce. Once it was all coated with the wet stuff, I added seasonings like paprika, salt, and sugar, then topped the whole bowl with some feta cheese and chopped cilantro. The result was an addictive, flavorful, complex snack that makes even the closest game more exciting. Tip: If you find that the popcorn begins to get soggy after the first quarter or half (if it lasts that long!), just pop it in a 300 degree F oven for 5-10 minutes--it'll crisp right up!

Visit this site for more recipes and inspiration to make any football gathering extra memorable! Walmart will have everything you need...except for maybe tickets to the next home game.

Mexican Street Popcorn
(printable recipe)

Makes 8 cups
Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce
• 8 cups popped popcorn
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 1/4 cup crumbled cotija or feta cheese
• Cilantro, for garnish

Directions:
Whisk together the melted butter, mayonnaise, lime juice, and hot sauce in a small bowl.
Separately combine the salt, paprika, and sugar.
Pour over 8 cups popped popcorn; gently toss to coat.
Quickly toss the wet popcorn with those dry ingredients, then top with crumbled cheese and chopped cilantro, if desired.