Oscar Night Special – Best Ensemble: Show-stopping Popcorn (Guest Post!)

Hi folks! So I originally intended to post that lovely and now heavily-(over)hyped Coconut-Pecan Brussels Sprout Salad some time this weekend, and then somehow I convinced my equally foodified cousin, Joel, to draft a guest post in honor of tomorrow’s Oscar night, and BAM! He delivered in record time. See, for Christmas, in addition to treating me to the Leg of Beast Dinner, Joel gifted me with a certificate for 4 Free Guest Posts on the Pig & Quill. Clever, generous and ohsohandy, right? So while I’m out here in the great Midwest again (confusingly, this will be explained in my next post), I’ll let him regale you with these corny wonders. I know, Pot, Kettle…it’s fine.

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It’s Oscar weekend!  While everyone else is planning gigantic viewing parties with nominee themed dishes, I’ve decided to take a more low-key approach.  Popcorn is the quintessential movie viewing snack.  You can find it at the concession stand of every theater, and the chairs are generally perfumed with the butter substitute.  Alas, I have neither the skill nor the desire to replicate this cinematic commodity, so here are some tasty alternatives to accompany your Oscar watching experience!

Each of these recipes works for a cup of popcorn kernels.  After popping, place in a paper bag with toppings, shake, and enjoy!  The toppings seem to stick the best to fresh, warm popcorn.

Chili Lime Popcorn Chili-Lime Popcorn:
Looking for a red hot morsel to match the looks on the red carpet?  Try this treat on for size.  It might be a little spicy, but it’s the perfect fit for me.

  • 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon Chipotle Pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Lime Zest
  • Salt to taste
(Tip: Because this is the strongest flavored popcorn of the bunch, it’s best to salt the popcorn before adding the other flavoring.)
Garlic Gruyere Popcorn
Garlic Gruyere Popcorn:
I’ve never been a huge fan of cheese popcorn or cheesy award show hosts.  I think it’s because in general, these two things are far too artificial for my liking.  That’s why I’m happy this popcorn delivers a genuinely delicious snacking experience.

  • 1 1/2 Tablespoons Finely Grated Gruyere
  • 1/2 Tablespoon Finely Grated Parmesan
  • Garlic Salt to taste
 (Tip: I’ve been giving rave reviews to the Garlic Salt grinder from Trader Joe’s)
Hurricane PopcornHurricane Popcorn:
This popcorn reminds me of my favorite 2013 Best Picture nominee, Life of Pi.  No, it’s not because the main event of the film is a gigantic storm that completely capsizes a boat.  It’s because, like the film, this popcorn delivers a captivating experience that completely justifies a $4 3D glasses charge.

  • 4 teaspoons Furikake (A mixture of bonito flakes, dried seaweed, sesame seeds, and other yummy Asian flavors
  • 2 teaspoons Sesame Oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon Sugar
  • 1 Packet of Arare (Japanese rice crackers)
This mix is slightly different than the others.  After placing the freshly popped popcorn in the paper bag, drizzle the sesame oil in, and give it a few hard shakes.  Then add the furikake and sugar, and shake some more.  Lastly add the arare, and shake to mix.

(Tip: Arare and Furikake can definitely be found in any Asian specialty food store. Around the city, they can easily be found at many common grocery stores.)
Trader Joe's Milk Chocolate Toffee PopcornTrader Joe’s Milk Chocolate Covered Toffee Popcorn:
I can’t watch a movie without something sweet.  I also get very lazy when I watch movies.  When this happens, I turn to this tempting Trader Joe’s treat.  My critical sweet tooth gives it 4 stars and a standing ovation.

Open the package.
Coconut-Pecan Brussie Salad with Fried Onions & Fruity Balsamic
Presideezy in tha Heezy Weekend

2 Comments on “Oscar Night Special – Best Ensemble: Show-stopping Popcorn (Guest Post!)”

  1. Pingback: Coconut-Pecan Brussie Salad with Fried Onions & Fruity Balsamic | the pig & quill

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