Friday, May 8, 2015

Popcorn Perfected


Crunchy & Delicious :: Bring on the movies
Every cook is at least part mad scientist.  And tinkering w/ popcorn methods is an obsession that can last a lifetime.  At this moment in time, I’m ready to say, that this recipe truly is tuned to perfection.  The results are crunchy, delicious and irresistible. 


Amount
Measure
Ingredient
Prep Method
2
Tablespoon
Coconut oil

2/3
Cup
Popcorn kernels
finest quality, organic

I use an induction burner w/ a heavy stainless steel 5 quart pot w/ a good fitting lid.  Put the coconut oil into the cold pot.  Top w/ the kernels.  Set the temp to 390 or 400 degrees depending on your unit.  Let ‘er rip.  The popcorn will take care of itself.
Made right, Popcorn is the perfect snack
Meanwhile in a small saucepan combine the following flavorings AND set the oven to 350

2
Tablespoons
Evoo*
Or favorite oil
1/3
Cup
Nutritional yeast

2
Tablespoons
Soy sauce
shoyu, tamari, namashoyu
3
Tablespoon
Strongly brewed green tea**

½
Teaspoon
Hot chili flakes
Optional
¼
Teaspoon
Black pepper
Optional

When the corn is fully popped, stir the flavorings into the pot.  Stir well.  Put the popcorn pot into the oven and turn it off.  When the pot is cool to the touch, your crunchy Popcorn Perfected is ready to devour. 
Who can resist Avanti Popcorn Perfected?
*A note on oils.  All Avanti fans know that we only use healthy lipids.  Consider avocado oil, grapeseed oil, rice bran oil, sunflower oil or organic butter.  Feel free to infuse your oil w/ flavors such as chili, rosemary, garlic, lemon and more.

**A note on tea.  I use brown rice green tea, Genmai Cha, for most of my cooking needs.  The puffed brown rice adds the most engaging nutty flavor to dishes.  Use about 1 Tablespoon of tea in ¾ cup of water for this recipe.  You’ll only need 3 T of the brewed tea, but once you taste this popcorn, you’ll likely make batch after batch.  And left over tea can be thinned out w/ a little hot water for a nice tea break, added to smoothies, added to soup, etc. 

Switch up your liquids.  This popcorn is scrumptious if you substitute 3 T of good bourbon, Scotch, sherry, brandy, flavored vodka or your favorite libation in place of the tea.  Make sure to use a low flame to heat the flavorings if you’re using booze since you don’t want to set the mix on fire.  
Avanti Popcorn Perfected is GlamourDish
Eating Healthy & Delicious is a Win Win Win Situation!
Eat, Live & Party Well
Blog post by Chef Mark Cleveland

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