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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Saturday, February 24, 2007

Glam up popcorn for Oscar parties

By Karen Miltner
Rochester (N.Y.) Democrat and Chronicle

Break out of the buttered popcorn routine for your Oscar party tomorrow night.

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Popcorn is a natural for an Oscar bash, given that it is what most people eat in front of the big screen.

As you'll likely be watching the Hollywood glitter and glitz at home tomorrow, it's the perfect opportunity to experiment with different variations. And because this is a special occasion, we suggest you forego the microwaveable convenience kernels and pop your corn from scratch over the stove. The taste is incomparable, and you'd be surprised at how fast and easy it is.

BASIC STOVETOP POPCORN

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

  • 1/3 cup popcorn kernels

    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. Makes about 8 cups.

    Source: www.epicurious.com

    SPICY CAJUN POPCORN AND NUTS

  • 8 cups popped popcorn

  • 1/2 cup toasted chopped pecans

  • 1/2 cup peanuts

  • 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter or margarine

  • 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard

  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

  • Salt to taste

    Place popcorn and nuts in a large bowl. In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in mustard, garlic powder and cayenne and pour over popcorn mixture. Salt to taste. Makes about 9 cups.

    Source: The Popcorn Board

    PARMESAN PEPPER POPCORN

  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

  • About 8 cups hot plain popcorn

  • 1 ounce (about 1/3 cup) finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano

  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

    Drizzle oil over hot popcorn in a large bowl and toss to coat, then toss with cheese, pepper and salt. Makes about 8 cups.

    Source: www.epicurious.com