The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
DELUXE MOVIE NIGHT POPCORN
Movie theaters typically pop their popcorn in coconut oil enhanced with an artificially flavored and colored seasoning called Flavacol that lends a butter flavor while keeping the popped kernels from turning soggy. You can buy Flavacol online, but you also can achieve this the natural way by clarifying the butter for tossing (methods are online), or using ghee, a type of clarified butter commonly used in Indian cuisine and now widely available in supermarkets. And be sure to use a finegrained salt that will stick to the warm morsels. To further enhance the cinema-like experience, toss some of your other favorite concession snacks right into the same bowl.
3 tablespoons coconut oil
½ cup unpopped popcorn kernels
¼ cup (4 tablespoons) clarified butter or
ghee, melted
Fine sea salt to taste
Optional mix-ins: Twizzlers cut into bite-size pieces, M&M’S, pretzels or other favorite movie concession snacks
In a 6-quart pot, melt the coconut oil over medium-high heat.
Test the heat of the oil by adding 3 kernels of popcorn to the pot. Once they pop, add the remaining kernels to cover the bottom of the pot in a single layer. Swirl the pot to coat the kernels in the oil.
Cover the pot, leaving the lid slightly ajar, and lower the heat to medium. Lift and shake the pan frequently while the kernels pop.
After about 3 minutes, when the popping slows to once every 2 to 3 seconds, remove the pot from the heat and continue to shake for a few minutes until the popping has stopped.
Pour half the butter or ghee over the popcorn, cover and shake the pot to coat. Pour the remaining butter or ghee over the popcorn and sprinkle with the salt. Cover again and shake. If desired, toss in your favorite concession-stand snacks. Season to taste with more salt, and toss again. Makes 12-15 cups.
Per 1-cup serving, based on 12: 100 calories (percent of calories from fat, 72), 1 gram protein, 6 grams carbohydrates, 1 gram fiber, 8 grams total fat (5 grams saturated), 10 milligrams cholesterol, 31 milligrams sodium.