Pop Up Some Cold-Weather Fun

Miami FL

02 February, 2022

6:12 PM

Description

From Family Features, the Miami Times Feb 1, 2022 South Florida's winter temperatures rarely dip into "sweater weather," but the cold front we've been experiencing has placed a genuine nip into the nighttime air. Why not lean into it with something folks in colder climes look to for cold-weather comfort: popcorn. A perfect partner for a broad variety of flavors, popcorn is a versatile pantry staple that can be served a better-for-you addition to seasonal snacks. With no artificial additives or preservatives, popcorn is naturally low in fat and calories, non-GMO and gluten free, making it a sensible option to satisfy cravings for something savory, sweet and just about every flavor in between. Plus, whole-grain popcorn has energy-producing carbohydrates and fiber, which can help keep you satisfied longer. Pop up a bowl to enjoy with loved ones or create whole-grain culinary masterpieces like fragrant and flavorful Jamaican Jerk Popcorn, which features hot pepper, spices and jerk butter to help you warm up from the inside out. Or consider another tasty snack option like Furikake Popcorn, a lighter recipe exploding with the flavors of sesame, nori and a Japanese spice blend. You can combine favorite flavors for movie night with Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Popcorn and an option like Rocky Road Popcorn Clusters – featuring chocolate, marshmallows and nuts – is perfect for a yummy twist on the expected dessert after an evening meal. Furikake Popcorn (Popcorn Board) Find more fun, fluffy and flavorful recipes to celebrate everything winter has to offer at Popcorn.org. FURIKAKE POPCORN Yield: 2-3 servings INGREDIENTS · 1 nori sheet, broken into pieces · 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds, divided · 1/2 teaspoon salt · 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar · 6 cups popped popcorn · 2 tablespoons butter, melted PREPARATION · To make furikake seasoning, toast sesame seeds in small dry skillet over medium heat 2-3 minutes, or until lightly golden and fragrant; let cool completely before using. · In spice grinder or using mortar and pestle, grind nori with 1/2 tablespoon sesame seeds until finely ground and transfer to small bowl; stir in remaining sesame seeds, salt and sugar. · In large bowl, toss popcorn with butter and furikake seasoning until evenly coated. Tip: Use store-bought furikake seasoning and season to taste. Jamaican Jerk Popcorn (Popcorn Board) JAMAICAN JERK POPCORN Yield: 4-6 servings INGREDIENTS · 1/4 cup butter · 1 tablespoon minced, seeded scotch bonnet chili pepper · 1 teaspoon grated lime zest · 1/2 teaspoon chili powder · 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme · 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice · 1/2 teaspoon pepper · 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger · 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder · 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon · 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves · 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg · 1/8 teaspoon onion powder · 1/4 teaspoon salt · 8 cups popped popcorn PREPARATION · In small saucepan, combine all ingredients except popcorn; cover and cook over low heat 3-5 minutes, or until butter melts and mixture is fragrant. · In large bowl, toss popcorn with spice mixture until evenly coated. Tip: Omit scotch bonnet pepper and substitute 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, if preferred. CHEESY PEPPERONI PIZZA POPCORN Yield: 6-8 servings (1 cup each) INGREDIENTS · 1/4 cup nonfat Parmesan cheese · 2 teaspoons garlic powder · 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano · 1/4 teaspoon dried marjoram leaves · 1/4 teaspoon dried basil leaves · 1/8 teaspoon dried sage · Black pepper to taste · 12 cups air-popped popcorn · 3/4 cup turkey pepperoni, cut into bite-size bits · Olive oil cooking spray PREPARATION · In small bowl, combine first seven ingredients; mix well. · In large bowl, combine popcorn and turkey pepperoni; spray lightly with olive oil cooking spray. · Sprinkle popcorn and pepperoni with cheese mixture; toss to coat evenly. Rocky Road Popcorn Clusters (Popcorn Board) ROCKY ROAD POPCORN CLUSTERS Yield: 3 dozen INGREDIENTS · 1 bag (6 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips · 1 teaspoon vegetable oil · 4 cups popped popcorn · 1 1/2 cups miniature marshmallows · 3/4 cup chopped walnuts PREPARATION · In small microwave-safe bowl, heat chocolate chips in microwave on high 1 minute, until melted; stir in vegetable oil. · In large bowl, mix together popcorn, marshmallows and walnuts; pour melted chocolate over mixture, tossing to coat. · Drop mixture by tablespoonful onto wax paper-lined sheet pan and let cool. The Miami Times is the largest Black-owned newspaper in the south serving Miami's Black community since 1923. The award-winning weekly is frequently recognized as the best Black newspaper in the country by the National Newspaper Publishers Association.