wuzz poppin'?!

It's National Popcorn Day and I can't even fully enjoy this day because it's one of the no- nos on my list of foods that's i can't partake in due to the metal attached to my teeth. *deep sigh* But just because I can't enjoy this day doesn't mean you shouldn't!

Check out some of these dope spins on the traditional overly buttered kernels you've accustomed to.

My Personal Favorite: K e t t l e c o r n! I made a batch, this morning, for my friends to enjoy while glued to the TV for the season premiere of TGIT tonight! It was really simple - 2/3 cups of kernels, 7 tbs of sugar, 5 tbs of canola oil and a dash of salt. Heat the oil in a large saucepan, add sugar once oil is hot. Allow sugar to dissolve then add kernels. Shake/toss every 20 seconds. Its ready once the popping slows. add salt and enjoy.

Garlic-Herb: Melt 4 tablespoons butter in a saucepan; add 4 grated garlic cloves and 1 teaspoon each finely chopped fresh rosemary, sage and thyme and cook 1 minute. Drizzle over 16 cups hot popcorn and toss with 2 teaspoons kosher salt.

Ranch: Melt 4 tablespoons butter with a 1-ounce packet ranch seasoning mix; toss with 16 cups hot popcorn and 2 tablespoons chopped chives. Season with salt.

Parmesan-Rosemary: Toss 16 cups hot popcorn with 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, 3 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh rosemary and 2 teaspoons kosher salt.

Maple-Pecan: Heat 2 cups sugar, 1 cup maple syrup and 1/2 cup light corn syrup in a large pot until it reaches 260 degrees F on a candy thermometer, about 12 minutes. Add 3 cups pecans and cook 2 minutes. Stir in 3 tablespoons butter until melted, then pour over 16 cups hot popcorn; toss to coat. Spread on baking sheets and let cool.

Pepperoni Pizza: Cook 1 cup chopped pepperoni in 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large pot until crisp; drain on paper towels, reserving the drippings. Pop 3/4 cup popcorn kernels in the drippings; toss with the pepperoni, 1 cup shredded mozzarella, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, 2 tablespoons olive oil and 1 teaspoon each granulated garlic and dried oregano. Season with salt.

Cinnamon Sugar Drizzle: 6 tablespoons melted butter over 12 cups hot popcorn; toss with 4 cups cinnamon cereal (such as Cinnamon Toast Crunch), 1/3 cup sugar, 2 teaspoons cinnamon and 1 teaspoon kosher salt.

Crab Boil: Melt 4 tablespoons butter with 2 tablespoons Old Bay Seasoning in a small skillet over medium heat; drizzle over 12 cups hot popcorn and toss with 4 cups oyster crackers.

Truffle: Toss 16 cups hot popcorn with 6 tablespoons melted butter, 1 1/2 tablespoons truffle oil, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan, 1 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper.

Remaining list at Food Network

Let me know your favorite popcorn in the comment section below!

-Larone

#nationalpopcornday