4 Popcorn Recipes for All Taste Buds

by Melissa Roberts, Gourmet


Movie food sure has gotten fancy since this finger-licking foursome first appeared in Gourmet magazine in 2003, but as with Hitchcock and Truffaut, oldies are goodies. Reprinted for Gourmet Live's Dinner and a Movie issue, these are recipes for popcorn with panache, perfect for a night with Netflix or for sneaking into a multiplex near you.

PLAIN POPCORN
Makes about 8 cups
Active time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min

Ingredients
* 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
* 1/3 cup popcorn kernels

Instructions
* Heat oil with 3 popcorn kernels in a 3-quart heavy saucepan over moderate heat, covered, until 1 or 2 kernels pop. Quickly add remaining popcorn, then cook, covered, shaking pan frequently, until kernels stop popping, about 3 minutes.

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See more: 15 Perfect Pasta Dishes

MAPLE PECAN POPCORN (pictured above)
Makes about 10 cups
Active time: 35 min
Total time: 1 hr (includes cooling)

Ingredients
* 1 cup pecans (3 1/2 ounces), toasted and coarsely chopped
* About 8 cups plain popcorn (see recipe above)
* 3/4 stick (6 tablespoons) unsalted butter
* 1 1/2 cups pure maple syrup
* 1/2 teaspoon salt

Equipment
* a candy thermometer

Instructions
* Toss together pecans and popcorn in a large bowl.
* Line a large shallow baking pan with foil, then lightly oil foil and a wooden spoon.
* Melt butter in a 1- to 1 1/2-quart heavy saucepan over moderate heat. Add syrup and salt, then boil, without stirring, until mixture registers 300°F on thermometer, 15 to 20 minutes.
* Pour syrup over pecans and popcorn, stirring briskly with oiled spoon to coat. Immediately spread popcorn in baking pan. Cool completely, then break into bite-size pieces.

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PARMESAN PEPPER POPCORN
Makes about 8 cups
Active time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min

Ingredients
* 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
* About 8 cups hot plain popcorn (see recipe above)
* 1 ounce finely grated Parmigiano- Reggiano (1/3 cup)
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions
* Drizzle oil over hot popcorn in a large bowl and toss to coat, then toss with cheese, pepper, and salt.

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See more: 19 Sweet and Savory Ways to Eat Ice Cream

CHILI POPCORN
Makes about 8 cups
Active time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min

Ingredients
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
* Scant 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/8 teaspoon paprika
* 1/8 teaspoon cayenne
* About 8 cups hot plain popcorn (see recipe above)

Instructions
* Stir together salt and spices in a small bowl. Sprinkle over hot popcorn in a large bowl and toss to coat.

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