spiced and spicy popcorn

This is a tasty snack I often make for movie-watching or celebrity-playing. - Aside - If you have never played celebrity, look it up. It is bundles of fun.

Ingredients:

1/2 c organic popcorn kernels (I buy mine in bulk at Whole Foods)

2 T organic unrefined coconut oil

1 T spanish olive oil, plus a drizzle after popping

1 t sea salt

1/2 t cayenne pepper

1/2 t cinnamon

I like to use a big (6 quart) heavy-bottomed pot with a lid for nice even popping, and I've found that pots with handles on the sides - stock pots - allow for better 'shake it up' action in the popping process than long handled saucepans.

Put the coconut and olive oils in the pot, and turn the burner on medium-high. Throw a couple kernels in, cover them with the lid, and wait for them to sizzle. Once you hear the sizzle, add the rest of the 1/2 c of kernels, cover immediately, and get ready to shake - that means you'll need potholders handy. Shake the kernels around every few seconds until you hear the first pop, then shake continuously and vigorously (and hold the lid on as you do!) until the popping slows or stops. Once it's stopped, remove the pot from the heat immediately. It should only be about 20-30 seconds from the first pop to the last, so don't worry! - Your arms won't have to keep it up for long :)

Once off the burner, open the pot and take a deep breath. There's just nothing like stovetop popcorn to get you in the mood for a good movie. Next, drizzle about a tablespoon of olive oil over the popcorn. This is the 'glue' that will help the spices stick. Toss the popped corn around with the lid back on, then open it up and finish it off with the salt, cayenne, and cinnamon sprinkled over. Put the lid back on for a final toss, then dump into a big bowl or scoop out of the pot with smaller ones for a less communal experience. 


Enjoy your delectable treat!