Health2U “Cheesy” Popcorn

Popcorn may conjure memories of indulgent movie treats………for me, I think of Alfredo sauce in a bowl.  Yes, theater popcorn is really not that good for you.  My husband loves popcorn and so do I, homemade that is!  It’s a bit like eating good meat or bad meat, or good soy or bad soy.

We haven’t watched a movie in a long time but when we do, I love to treat him to some “healthy” popcorn.  In its natural state, popcorn is quite healthy!  It’s an unprocessed and an unrefined whole grain loaded with fiber.  But guess what else, it’s loaded with polyphenols, which have been shown to neutralize free radicals and are thought to protect against heart disease and other diseases.  However, be sure you’re not eating popcorn from microwave bags.  I am not sure what is worse…theatre or microwave popcorn.  Both can use an upgrade!

This snack may be my husband’s ultimate-favorite, but if you are still eating your popcorn from microwave bags slicked with grease (not to mention lined with potentially dangerous chemicals), it’s time to try my way. When I pulled out our old Popper we used back when we were growing up for the first time after we were married, my hubby cracked up.  He said, “Wow that thing is ancient.”  I said, “but it makes the best popcorn ever”.   “When the little red light comes on, it means it’s ready to add your kernels”.

So next time you’re hungry for popcorn, make your own.  Stock your pantry with a bag of organic, non-GMO popcorn kernels and use an air popper or try out our recipe below for making popcorn on the stove!  I love my old fashioned popper!

My favorite oil to use is Coconut.  I use a cold-pressed and unrefined coconut oil, which is well suited to high heat cooking and doesn’t leave a heavy flavor behind.  Rob likes the taste too….he always comments, “You make the best Popcorn!”  For a finishing touch, I sometimes sprinkle my popcorn with cheesy-tasting nutritional yeast and a kick of cayenne pepper. My husband prefers a little grass fed butter and freshly grated parmesan cheese.  I’ve also tried omega 3-rich hemp seeds!  So good!  If you dare, try this energy-boosting spirulina – or use all of these for a bowl that’s seriously supercharged with flavor and nutrition.  Trust me, it’ll knock your socks off!  (But who watches a movie and eats popcorn with socks on anyway).

Look for popcorn in the bulk section of your favorite grocery store or grab a bag of Arrowhead Mills Organic Popcorn or Tiny But Mighty’s Ancient Heirloom Corn.  Seriously, what runner doesn’t like a healthy snack!  This is perfect!

KAREN’S SUPER-CHARGED POPCORN

Makes: 4.5 cups
Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 1/3 cup organic popcorn kernels
• 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt, optional
• Toppings:  grass fed better, ghee, parmesan cheese, nutritional yeast, cayenne pepper, hemp seeds and spirulina

Directions:

1. In a medium saucepan, heat the coconut oil over medium heat, add a couple kernels and cover.
2. When the kernels pop, add the remaining kernels, cover the pot and give it a good shake to distribute. Continue cooking, shaking the pan frequently.
3. When popping slows down to 2-3 second between each pop, remove pan from the heat immediately.
4. Transfer popcorn to a bowl and add salt and other toppings.

What’s your favorite popcorn topping?