Pop-creativity
I love the holiday season because it seems to be an excuse to put a large array of sweets in decorative tins- tis the season to shame the traditional box of chocolates. The creativity of the sugary flavors found inside is amazingly sinful (with the exception of the infamous fruitcake) but my all time favorite is the popcorn collection. You’ve got popcorn of all types: caramel, chocolate, caramel and nut crusted- or… you could get the savory variety but… nothing is better than something sweet.
Of course my love of popcorn does not stem from the holiday season; actually it comes from the college days of frugality. Popcorn, Top Ramen ®, PB&J – the food of students with no time and no money for grocery shopping- I always preferred popcorn. Popcorn is filling and flavorless so if you don’t have a lot of time it’s the best thing to fill a void with a crunch. It is also easy with which to be creative and only experience can show you its potential.
I recommend everyone to push their popcorn. I like styling it sweetly with a mixture of peanut M&M’s® for that salty-sweet quench. Or, if you don’t mind sticky finger food you can pour Maple syrup all over and get some great vitamins and anti-oxidants with each sappy crunch. Some warm, seedless strawberry marmalade adds tartness to lightly salted popcorn gives an incredible spread to your snacking.
If you want a savory variety of popcorn I suggest using crushed garlic, parmesan, and a pinch of pepper. To make it a little more satisfying for a ball game melt down some cheddar, add a little cream to soften, a pinch of chili flake and pour over unsalted kernels. If you have enough money to buy a pound of shrimp I would sauté shrimp in garlic butter and toss the finish product with popcorn – you may not believe it but the end result is delish.
Any way that you do it, enjoy it. Don’t be scared to test the boundaries and just think of it as a challenge. You and your guests will be amazed by what you can do with the simple little carb and I encourage you to try it- why not?- most carbs are played out anyway. Be innovative and find some inspiration within a tin of holiday popcorn.