WIP Wednesday: Still gift knitting, plus a recipe!

I almost didn't post today because my WIPs haven't changed much since last Wednesday.  Since writing that post I was busy getting ready for the marathon, and then catching up on work afterwards, so not much knitting happened.  But I do hope to post the unfinished Christmas gifts I mentioned by this Friday so I thought it would still be fun to check in with Work-in-Progress Wednesday #76 at Tami's.

The 2 projects I hope to finish this week are Steph's Citron, and a hat for her husband.  I'm still cranking away on the ruffle of the Citron.  When I did the last increase row I found a new source of stitch markers, the leftover rubber bands from the boy's braces:

You may recognize these "stitch markers" if you've ever had braces.
They work great, and it doesn't really matter if you lose them.

Our 15 yr. old had most of his braces removed last week.  He has been waiting 2 1/2 years to be able to eat popcorn again.  I promised him I would make one of his favorite snacks when the big day arrived, homemade kettle corn.  It is such a yummy snack so I thought I would share the recipe I found.

All you need is popcorn, sugar, salt, and vegetable oil.  When I googled it to double check the proportions I found this wonderful blog post with the recipe and instructions from Savory Sweet Life.

Next up is the hat for James.  I have been thinking about using my skein of Tosh Vintage in Ink for a Jacques Cousteau Hat.  When I mentioned that I was still undecided about the pattern, I got some great suggestions.  Here is a list of the choices along with links:

1)  My first thought was the Jacques Cousteau Hat, but now I'm not sure.
2)  Aimee who knows a little something about knitting hats, suggested the Marsan Watch Cap.
3)  Jeanne suggested the Botanic Hat (if I can find a good contrast color).  Here is her version which came out great!
4)  Betsy suggested A Hat Fit for a Boyfriend which looks like a good pattern too.

Thanks for all the great suggestions everyone!  Now it is even harder to decide.  Which one do you all think I should knit?  I can knit a hat in two days, right?