When I was a youngster at the movie theaters (this was before it cost $9.50 to go to the movies), I used to buy both popcorn and Sno-Caps (this was before a box of Sno-Caps cost $12). Then I would proudly pour my Sno-Caps into my hot, buttery popcorn as if this were a gourmet undertaking. I did this on my first date with my husband. He was less than impressed. He still married me.
Anyway, as a wife and mom, I no longer have the time or funds to go to the movies, but the passion for popcorn never left me. And one night, sans Sno-Caps, I decided to see what happened when one dumped chocolate chips into hot, buttery popcorn. I’m sure I’m not the only one who has ever thought of this, but I doubt anyone has been more excited with their findings.
To complicate matters, my kids claim they don’t like popcorn. I refuse to accept this because 1) popcorn is awesome, 2) popcorn is moderately healthy, and most importantly 3) popcorn is cheap.
So I have been snazzing up the popcorn lately and forcing them to eat it. Here are some of my methods. Warning: some of these tricks make popcorn significantly less healthy.
Chocolaty Buttery Popcorn: The aforementioned. Worth mentioning again. I pop the corn in oil in my Whirley-Pop. Then drench it in butter. Then dump semisweet chocolate chips in. Give her a shake or a stir and voila! I don’t recommend letting kids eat this in the dark. You’ll find chocolate everywhere in the morning.
Chocolate Cherry Popcorn: For those of us who like a little food stuck in our teeth. I discovered this twist on the above take while in Michigan, where the cherries are plentiful. Follow the directions above, only use less butter, and then add dried cherries. You’ll thank me later.
Healthy Popcorn: When I start to feel guilty about popcorn nutrition, I whip out the nutritional yeast. The cool thing is, my kids don’t even really notice that this is healthy. I pop the popcorn as usual, go light on the butter, and then dump a handful of nutritional yeast. Give it a shake or stir to evenly distribute.
Coconut Popcorn: Replace the oil you normally use with coconut oil (unless of course you normally pop with coconut oil, in which case, carry on). When popcorn is done, add sweetened coconut flakes.
Maple Popcorn: Pop as usual. Then top with butter. Then, top with real maple syrup. Go easy—you won’t need much. Shake or stir to evenly distribute. This is an unbelievably sweet and gooey delicious mess.
Happy popping and be sure to let us know your favorite way to snazz up the popcorn.
Posted by Robin
