The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
VARIATIONS
Frito Pie Popcorn: Toss 10-12 cups freshly popped popcorn with 4 to 6 tablespoons melted butter, several good handfuls of Fritos, and 2 tablespoons chili powder. Spread out on baking sheets. Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese and chopped scallions. Bake in a 350-degree oven for 3-5 minutes, just until the cheese melts. Season with salt and serve warm.
Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Popcorn: Pour 10-12 cups freshly popped popcorn onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Melt a heaping ½ cup chopped dark chocolate or semisweet chocolate chips in the microwave, drizzle over the popcorn, and sprinkle with ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt. Toss, taste and add more salt if desired. Allow to sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes for the chocolate to harden (or refrigerate for a few minutes if you’re in a hurry).
Olive Oil Popcorn with Garlic, Rosemary and Parmesan: Heat ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil with 1 tablespoon minced garlic in a small saucepan over medium-low until sizzling, about 2 minutes; reduce heat to low and stir in 1 ½ teaspoons minced fresh rosemary. Drizzle over 10-12 cups freshly popped popcorn; toss to coat. Add ½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese, ¼ teaspoon salt, and a few grindings black pepper; toss again. Serve immediately. (Adapted from a recipe from Southern Living.)
Curry-lime Popcorn: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons coconut oil and stir in 1 teaspoon each grated lime zest and mild or hot curry powder and ½ teaspoon fine sea salt. Pour over 10-12 cups freshly popped popcorn and toss well. If desired, toss in some coconut flakes (sweetened or unsweetened, toasted or untoasted) and 1 tablespoon or so nutritional yeast.
Sushi Popcorn: In a small bowl, mix together 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, and 1 teaspoon each soy sauce, toasted sesame oil and rice vinegar. Drizzle over 10-12 cups of hot popcorn, mix in 3 cups Asian wasabi snack mix, and shake well.
Cinnamon-sugar Popcorn: Toss 10-12 cups freshly popped popcorn with 2-3 tablespoons melted butter or spray with nonstick cooking spray. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon granulated sugar mixed with 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, or to taste, and toss well. For extra crunch, spread in a shallow roasting pan and bake in a preheated 350-degree oven for about 5 minutes. Serve immediately, or the next morning in a cereal bowl with milk and sliced bananas or dried fruit.