Popcorn

Pop corn is pretty much as easy as it comes. Microwave and done. But if you want REALLY great popcorn you’re gonna have to make it yourself.

You’re in luck, however. Making popcorn from kernels is crazy simple. PLUS you can really jazz that biz up with almost no additional work.

Half Measure Popcorn

Credit: Microwaves?
Time: 10 minutes
Servings: How much popcorn can you eat?

Ingredients

• 1 bag of microwave popcorn

• 1 cup of your choice of chips

Equipment Needed:

• Microwave

• Coffee grinder, mortar and pestle or a rolling pin

Method

• Grind chips to a powder using a dedicated coffee grinder, with a mortar and pestle or by crushing with a rolling pin

• Microwave popcorn per ingredients on bag

• Sprinkle chip powder over popcorn to taste

Full Measure Popcorn

Credits: Michael Martin and Chris Morocco
Time: 10 min (Chili oil version: 45 min)
Servings: 2

Ingredients

• 2 oz. popcorn kernels

• 2 Tbsp corn oil

• ¼ tsp fine sea salt

Flavor options

• Chili Oil (see below)

• Thyme & rosemary (see below)

• Garlic & Parmesan (see below)

Chili Oil

• 1½ cup vegetable oil

• 4 small shallots, finely sliced

• 2 whole cloves garlic, finely sliced

• 2 cinnamon sticks, approx. 3”

• 6 star anise pods

• ¼ cup dried chili flakes

• 2” finely diced ginger

• 2 Tbsp sugar

• 2 Tbsp soy sauce

Equipment Needed:

• Saucepan (Chili version)

• 4-6 quart bowl

• Foil

Method

Chili Oil:

1. Add garlic, shallots, cinnamon and star anise to a medium saucepan over medium heat

2. Bring to. a bare simmer and cook for 20-25 minutes, swirling occasionally

3. When garlic and shallots are golden brown strain and reserve oil, let cool completely

4. Add dried chili flakes, ginger, sugar and soy sauce to oil and stir

5. Once cooled remove cinnomon and star anise from crispy bits.

6. Return the crispy garlic and shallots to oil

7. Proceed to popcorn method, disregarding step 6

Popcorn:

1. In 4-6 quart bowl mix oil, kernels and salt

2. Cover bowl tightly with aluminum foil and poke vents for steam

3. Over medium heat constantly move the bowl to heat evenly

4. Once popping begins move more quickly

5. Remove from heat just before popping dies down

6. Remove foil and put into a separate bowl

7. Pour melted butter and flavoring options, toss to combine

   1. 1 Tbsp fresh rosemary and 1 Tbsp fresh thyme, finely chopped. Optionally add black pepper

   2. ¼ cup Parmesan finely grated parmesan and ⅛ tsp garlic powder