Night Time Rituals

One of my most favorite things to do when I get home from work is veg out on the couch with my mom and eat popcorn. It's something we've done together for as long as I can remember and definitely something I always look forward to. We get to just relax and talk about how our days went, all the while watching either the Food Network or whatever competitive show is on prime time TV. Ironically enough, I was thinking about writing a post tonight about my love for popcorn. When I got home from work, my mom immediately asked me to make some and I gladly obliged. 

Now, I'm not talking about putting a processed bag of Pop Secret or Orville Redenbacher's in the microwave and pressing the popcorn button. I'm talking about the real deal. Like breaking out the 20 year old pan and manually popping the kernels yourself. Don't get me wrong, i'm a sucker for microwave popcorn, but there's just something about the homemade stuff that really gets my taste buds going.

When I was younger, my mom, dad, brother and I would always snuggle up every Friday night and watch TGIF. This was in the early 90's when prime time television consisted of Step By Step, Boy Meets World and of course, Steve Erkel in Family Matters. I remember my dad having this old school iron pan that he would make popcorn in. I can still hear the kernels hitting the hot oil and bursting into their whole form. I also remember the end result, which was simply fantastic. I don't know what he did, but that was (and always will be) the best popcorn I have EVER had. Something about the perfect butter to popcorn ratio was mesmerizing. I had to recreate it. 

My version is just a bit different than the norm. It has a kick heat mixed in amongst the classic, salty, buttery goodness which creates an unbeatable flavor. It's the perfect addition to a night at home on the couch and it's so easy, too! Give yourself 5 minutes and you'll never go back to processed popcorn again. I hope you enjoy this easy recipe as much as I do!

Katie's Cayenne Kissed Popcorn

2 tbsp canola oil
1 cup popcorn kernels
2 tsp salted melted butter
1 tsp sea salt
1 /4 tsp cayenne
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp paprika

Heat oil in deep pot over medium high heat. Add one kernel. Once it pops, add the rest of the corn. Cover the lid, leaving slightly ajar for steam to escape. Pop the corn, shaking the pan often. One popping stops, remove pan from heat. Meanwhile, heat 2 tbsp salted butter in a small pan on the oven over high heat. Once butter is melted, pour over the popped corn. Combine spices in a small dish and sprinkle over the buttered corn, shaking the pot vigorously to distribute the flavors. Pour into a serving bowl. 

Grab yourself a drink, pick out a movie and sit back on the couch. Relax and enjoy.

Serves: 8