I adore the smell of freshly popped popcorn in movie theaters.  The microwave version just cannot compete: that version tastes of artificial butter and is usualy either too oily or too dry.  I experimented with stovetop popcorn  a couple of weeks back, and can now reproducibly and reliably make a pot of popcorn without fail.   To wind down after a busy day, why not make some fresh popcorn seasoned however you like, curl up on the couch and watch a great movie?   I’d whip up this yummy concoction for a cozy night any time!

Before the recipe, here is one Important Safety Tip: While making stove top popcorn, stand by the stove the entire time. I’ve actually burned a pot and set the stove on fire on my first try using olive oil.  The key is to use an oil that is of higher smoking point, such as canola oil or peanut oil, so that the kernels are popped before the oil is smoked.  It takes less than 10 minutes to make this delicious fluffy goodness.

Here is the recipe:

EATS: Movie Snack
Makes 4 serving

Ingredients:

• 3 Tbs peanut oil or canola oil
• 1/2 cup organic, non GMO corn kernels
• 3 quarts pot with lid
• 1 Tbs garlic powder
• 1 pinch kosher salt
• 1 tsp cayenne powder
• 1 Tbs paprika
• 1 Tbs “>Old Bay Seasoning
• 1 Tbs Japanese furikake

Steps:

• Pour oil to cover bottom of the pot
• Place 2-3 corn kernels in the pot and close the lid
• Using medium heat, swirl and shake the pot occasionally, listen for popping sound
• Once the corn kernels start popping (about 2 minutes), pour the remainder of the 1/2 cup corn kernels into pot and cover lid
• Shake the pot horizontally every 30 seconds or so to make sure kernels are not stuck at the bottom of the pot and that heat is distributed evenly to the kernels

Voila! It takes less than 10 minutes to prepare this fun movie accompaniment!

While the pot is STILL HOT, add your desired seasoning to the just popped  fluffiness.   It is very important to add the seasoning while hot, otherwise the seasoning will not coat as well and you will need  to add melted butter or olive oil to fascilitate the coating.  We like ours savory.  Here are a couple that are our favorites:

Furikake and Garlic Popcorn: Mix 1 Tbs furikake with 1 Tbs garlic powder and a pinch of seasalt.  Add the mixture in increments to desired taste.

Spicy Old Bay, Cayenne Pepper, and Paprika Popcorn: Mix 1 Tbs paprika with 1 Tbs old bay and 1 tsp of cayanne pepper. Add the mixture in increments to desired taste.

The possibilites are endless!  Enjoy!