Plain Popcorn
Makes about 8 cups
Active time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
INGREDIENTS
2 tablespoons vegetable oil1/3 cup popcorn kernels
INSTRUCTIONS
- Heat oil with 3 popcorn kernels in a 3-quart heavy saucepan over moderate heat, covered, until 1 or 2 kernels pop. Quickly add remaining popcorn, then cook, covered, shaking pan frequently, until kernels stop popping, about 3 minutes.
Maple Pecan Popcorn
Makes about 10 cups
Active time: 35 min
Total time: 1 hr (includes cooling)
INGREDIENTS
1 cup pecans (3 1/2 ounces), toasted and coarsely choppedAbout 8 cups plain popcorn (see recipe above)
3/4 stick (6 tablespoons) unsalted butter
1 1/2 cups pure maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon salt
equipment
a candy thermometerINSTRUCTIONS
- Toss together pecans and popcorn in a large bowl.
- Line a large shallow baking pan with foil, then lightly oil foil and a wooden spoon.
- Melt butter in a 1- to 1 1/2-quart heavy saucepan over moderate heat. Add syrup and salt, then boil, without stirring, until mixture registers 300°F on thermometer, 15 to 20 minutes.
- Pour syrup over pecans and popcorn, stirring briskly with oiled spoon to coat. Immediately spread popcorn in baking pan. Cool completely, then break into bite-size pieces.
Parmesan Pepper Popcorn
Makes about 8 cups
Active time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
INGREDIENTS
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oilAbout 8 cups hot plain popcorn (see recipe above)
1 ounce finely grated Parmigiano- Reggiano (1/3 cup)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
INSTRUCTIONS
- Drizzle oil over hot popcorn in a large bowl and toss to coat, then toss with cheese, pepper, and salt.
Chili Popcorn
Makes about 8 cups
Active time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
INGREDIENTS
1/2 teaspoon salt1/2 teaspoon chili powder
Scant 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
1/8 teaspoon paprika
1/8 teaspoon cayenne
About 8 cups hot plain popcorn (see recipe above)
INSTRUCTIONS
- Stir together salt and spices in a small bowl. Sprinkle over hot popcorn in a large bowl and toss to coat.