Homemade Popcorn with a Gourmet Twist

This year, I tried something new in my garden - growing popcorn. I used organic seeds from Johnny's and planted them in two 18-foot beds, keeping about a foot of space between each plant. Next year, I plan to plant them closer together to hopefully increase the yield. The variety I planted was called Robust 997.

The results were quite good. I managed to harvest enough to make over 80 bags of popcorn. I planted the seeds in July, after harvesting my spring crops, and collected them in mid-October, just before the first frost. It was important to let the ears dry for three weeks before removing the kernels from the cobs.

It was so rewarding to grow a year's worth of popcorn in our little home garden, interplanted with other vegetables just was beans, vetch, and winter squash. 

Flavored Popcorn

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup popcorn kernels
• 1/4 cup of your choice of oil (coconut, avocado, or ghee)
• Salt to taste (truffle salt recommended)
• Optional: Smoked paprika

Instructions:

1. Heat the Oil: In a stovetop popcorn popper, add 1/4 cup of your chosen oil. Heat it over medium-high heat. The right temperature is key, so let the oil warm up but not smoke.

2. Add Popcorn Kernels: Once the oil is hot, pour in 1/2 cup of popcorn kernels. Spread them evenly to ensure uniform cooking.

3. Start Popping: Close the lid of the popper and start turning the handle. This consistent motion keeps the kernels moving and prevents them from burning.

4. Listen Carefully: As the popping starts, keep stirring. When the popping sound begins to slow down significantly, it's time to remove the popper from the heat. This usually takes a few minutes, but keep a close ear to avoid burning.

5. Season and Enjoy: Immediately pour the popcorn into a large bowl. While it's still hot, sprinkle your preferred amount of truffle salt over it. For a smoky flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika. Toss well to evenly distribute the seasonings.

6. Serve: Enjoy your homemade popcorn as a delightful snack. Perfect for movie nights or a healthy treat!

Tips:

• Experiment with the amount of salt and seasonings to suit your taste.
• For an even coating, you can drizzle a small amount of melted butter or additional oil over the popcorn before adding the seasonings.

Feel free to tweak the recipe to align with your personal preferences or to explore other flavor combinations!

Sweet and Crispy Kettle Corn

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup popcorn kernels
• 1/4 cup of your choice of oil (coconut, avocado, or ghee)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• Salt to taste (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Popper: Place your stovetop popcorn popper over medium-high heat and add 1/4 cup of oil. Allow the oil to heat up but be careful to not let it smoke.

2. Add Popcorn and Sugar: Once the oil is hot, add 1/2 cup of popcorn kernels and 1/4 cup of sugar. Stir quickly to mix the sugar and coat the kernels.

3. Start Popping: Close the lid and begin turning the handle. This step ensures that the sugar caramelizes evenly and prevents the kernels from burning.

4. Listen for the Pops: Keep an ear out for the popping. As soon as the popping starts to slow down, indicating most kernels have popped, remove the popper from the heat. It's crucial to do this promptly to avoid burning the sugar.

5. Season (Optional): Pour the kettle corn into a large bowl. If desired, lightly sprinkle with a pinch of salt for a sweet-salty flavor. Toss well.

6. Enjoy: Serve the kettle corn immediately for the best taste and texture. Perfect for a sweet treat at home!

Tips:

• Be cautious with the hot sugar, as it can burn quickly.
• Adjust the sugar and salt quantities to your liking for a sweeter or more savory flavor balance.

This recipe should give you delicious homemade kettle corn with that perfect balance of sweetness and a hint of saltiness!