After School Popcorn Fix

AB started middle school this week; it's also her first time in a public school system. She (thankfully) is having the time of her life. Me? I'm coping as well as can be with her new found confidence and independence (they grow up so fast).

With her grownup outlook in full swing, we've been upgrading to grownup snacks. She's been asking for more spice, more herbs, more adventures with food, which I love and to which I gladly cater.

We've been big on popcorn lately, always making it from scratch on the stove top, and while it's still hot, adding cheeses, herbs and spices to create different flavor profiles.Our favorite is a kicked up version of kettle corn with organic sugar and ground ginger. Give these a try and let us know your favorite:

After School Popcorn

Yields: one gigantic bowl (about 18 cups)
Prep time: 1 minute
Cook time: 6 minutes
Allergy info: soy-free, gluten-free

Ingredients:
3/4 cup organic popcorn
1/2 cup sunflower seed or canola oil
1 teaspoon kosher salt

Directions:
In a large saucepan add oil and popcorn; shake pan to evenly coat kernels with oil. Sprinkle salt evenly over popcorn. Cover and heat over medium-high heat. Cook 2 minutes, swirling pan every 15 seconds.

When kernels begin to pop, continuously swirl pan over heat to prevent burning; cook 4 minutes. Remove from heat; transfer popcorn to a large bowl, or several small bowls. Immediately add toppings while the oil on the popcorn is still hot (see below).

Topping ideas:
To ensure toppings stick, they should be added and mixed into the popcorn as soon as it comes out of the pan, while the oil on the popcorn is still hot and glistening. Sprinkle mixtures over the top, then mix with a large spoon:

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan + 1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper (or)
• 1/2 cup grated Romano + 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano (or)
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme + 1 tablespoon lemon zest (or)
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika + 1/4 teaspoon cumin (or)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger + drizzle warm sesame oil (or)
• 1/4 teaspoon each ground cumin + ground cinnamon + ground turmeric (or)
• 2 tablespoons organic sugar + 1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper (or)
• 2 tablespoons organic sugar + 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

What if the popcorn pushes the lid off the pan?
Keep the popcorn bowl right next to the stove. If you see the popcorn pushing the lid off, tip the lid open just enough to let some of the popped corn fall into the bowl, then return the pan to the stove to continue cooking. The corn will continue to pop, even off the heat, so be careful not to lift the lid too high.

I forgot to swirl and it burned!
It's an awful smell, isn't it! Swirling the pan while it's over the heat is key to preventing the kernels from burning. If it has burned, there's really no way to save the popcorn. Throw it away, clean the pan, open a window and start again. Do not use the same pan unless you've cleaned it first -- the smell and taste will transfer to the new batch of popcorn.

Leftovers?
If you have leftover popcorn, save it in an airtight glass jar or simply leave it in the same bowl, cover with plastic wrap and store in the pantry. Avoid storing in plastic containers -- popcorn tends to easily pick up orders and flavors that could be hanging out in the plastic.

Other healthy after school snacks you might like (and a few sinful treats):
Homemade Granola
Baba Ghanoush
Lettuce Wraps
Strawberry Milkshakes
Homemade Lemonade
Homemade Soda Pop
Cinnamon Raisin Bread
Watermelon Ice Pops
Pecan Blondies
Lemon-Thyme Shortbread Bars