Parm & Pepper Popcorn

I started making homemade popcorn back in college...it was tradition for me and my roommates to make popcorn and watch The OC or American Idol.  It's really quite simple and the best part is that you get to add your own ingredients, to make it extra special.  My hubby and I added freshly grated Parmesan and pepper to make this classic extra delicious!

Recipe adapted from here.

• 3 Tbsp canola or peanut oil (high smoke point oil)
• 1/3 cup of high quality popcorn kernels
• Garlic salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• 1/2-3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Heat the oil in a saucepan on medium heat.  Add 2-3 kernels of corn to pan and cover.  When the kernels pop, add the rest of the 1/3 cup of popcorn kernels in an even layer.  Cover, remove from heat and count 30 seconds.  This method first heats the oil to the right temperature, then waiting 30 seconds brings all of the other kernels to a near-popping temperature so that when they are put back on the heat, they all pop at about the same time.

Return the pan to the heat. The popcorn should begin popping soon, and all at once. Once the popping starts in earnest, gently shake the pan by moving it back and forth over the burner. Try to keep the lid slightly ajar to let the steam from the popcorn release (the popcorn will be drier and crisper). Once the popping slows to several seconds between pops, remove the pan from the heat, remove the lid, and dump the popcorn immediately into a wide bowl.

Add salt and pepper to taste and toss in the Parmesan cheese.

This popcorn is a perfect blend of salt and pepper and the cheese adds a nice texture.

Let me know if you add anything special to your popcorn!  Bon Appetit!

xo natasha

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