Cinnamon Popcorn

Cinnamon Popcorn

So good, you'll wanna make it again!

The other night my husband and I were having a little movie night and he asked if I would make him some popcorn. He has a weakness for late night snacks which I try to stay away from. Making some fresh popcorn is a nice healthy alternative which we can both enjoy together, plus it's so yummy!

I decided to surprise him with this little creative twist to a regular favourite. 

Let me just say that this is his new favourite flavour :-) 

The first secret ingredient is Coconut oil. This adds a beautiful hint of coconut flavour and is also a healthier alternative to other oils. It also gives the popcorn a fluffy texture which is just delicious.

The second secret ingredient? You guessed it: Cinnamon! Again a delicious twist to the regular popcorn flavour but with added health benefits of cinnamon (here is a link to its benefits: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/1002.html#Description). 

Besides making you feel good about yourself for making good choices and staying away from trans fat of buttered and high salt popcorn, it is also very scrumptious, really, you should try it. 

There are of course lots of ways to make popcorn. But for me the technique that I find best infuses the flavours and gives the best texture is to make it in a pot. We have tried the popcorn makers and making it in the microwave but it is just not for us. 

Here are some pics of testing the oil. This is a crucial step as if it is not hot enough when you put the kernels in they will not pop properly. 

When it sizzles and spins, pour it all in :-)

Also, when using  the stove top method you need to make sure that you have a tight fitting lid so that the popcorn can cook properly. And don't overcrowd the pan with too many kernels- it's a recipe for disaster! 

Recipe: Cinnamon Popcorn

I have not given amounts as it all depends on how large the pot you are using will be. Make sure that you choose a pot that has a tight fitting lid and only pour in enough popcorn the cover the bottom of the pot in a single layer. Also this is a forgiving recipe :-)

Shake it, shake it, shake it, shake it like a polaroid picture!

Ingredients

Popcorn kernels

Coconut oil

Cinnamon

Salt

Method

Place pot on stove onto medium high heat. Place approx 1-2 tablespoons of coconut oil into pot. When dissolved the coconut oil needs to cover the bottom of the pot. 

Once the oil is very hot test the heat by placing a single kernel into the pot. If the heat is high enough then the kernel should spin slightly. Once this occurs the oil is ready. 

At this point slowly pour in enough kernels to cover the bottom of the pan in a single layer and immediately cover the pot. 

Using oven mitts place one hand on pot handle and the other hand on the pot lid to make sure it does not move. In this way shake the pot until the kernels all pop. Do not stop shaking the pot until the popcorn has all popped and you remove the pot from the heat. 

Once cooked, pour the popcorn into a large bowl and sprinkle lightly with half a teaspoon of salt or to taste. Sprinkle with a tablespoon of cinnamon or to taste and mix well before serving. 

It is now ready to be enjoyed!

Nom nom nom