Popcorn

One of my favorite snacks is popcorn. I have never been a fan of microwave popcorn so I learned how to make popcorn the old fashioned way - on the stove. The great thing about making popcorn on the stove is that you can flavor it a ton of different ways. My current favorite is Parmesan popcorn. I also like white popcorn better than yellow popcorn and always use white popcorn kernels.

Parmesan Popcorn

Ingredients:

3 tablespoons canola or vegetable oil

1/2 cup white popcorn kernels

2 tablespoons butter

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup Parmesan cheese

Directions:

~Heat the oil in a large pot with a lid set over medium-high heat. I use my heavy bottom Dutch Oven.

~Pour in popcorn kernels and sprinkle with the salt. As soon as the kernels start to pop, shake the pan back and forth across the burner constantly until the popping slows down. Listen until the pops are about 2 seconds apart, remove from the heat and pour into a serving bowl.

~Add the butter to the pan and allow it to melt. Pour the melted butter over the popcorn and toss to coat. Add the Parmesan cheese to the hot popcorn and toss to coat. Serve warm.

Variations:

Minus the Parmesan cheese, the previous is my basic popcorn recipe. All the variations use it as a base and the different seasonings should be added to the popcorn after it has popped but is still warm.

Spicy Cowboy Popcorn

Ingredients:

1 recipe The Good Wife basic popcorn

1/2 tablespoon chili powder

1 teaspoon cumin powder

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

1/4 cup pepper jack cheese

Directions:

~Pop popcorn according to recipe above but do not add the melted butter to the popped popcorn.

~Melt the 2 tablespoons of butter in a small bowl. Add the chili, cumin and garlic powder to the butter and stir to combine. Pour over the popcorn and toss to coat. Add the pepper jack cheese and serve warm.

Very Italian Popcorn

Ingredients:
1 recipe The Good Wife basic popcorn
3 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese

Directions:
~Pop popcorn according to recipe above but do not add the melted butter to the popped popcorn.

~Melt the 2 tablespoons of butter in a small bowl. Add all the seasonings to the butter and stir to combine. Pour over the popcorn and toss to coat. Add the Parmesan cheese and serve warm.

recipes by: the good wife