Sweet n' Spicy Chipotle and Kid-Friendly "Cheesy" Popcorn

Jan 25, 2015

While some people have a sweet tooth, I, have a salt tooth. My ultimate weakness: chips. Any kind will do really, but I have a particular weakness for BBQ chips. And although I don't personally buy them, if they end up in my house, or you put a bowl in front of me, I will grab a handful. Okay, several handfuls. What? You think I'm Hippie-Housewife-Hypocrite, right? SURPRISE, nobody's perfect! :) But, there's good news for all my fellow chip-aholics out there. I've found a healthier alternative to chips, and it's really hittin' the spot! Actually, when this homemade sweet n' spicy chipotle or "cheesy" popcorn is on the table, I'll reach for it over the chips - swears! This popcorn is also a better option in more ways than taste - it's gluten-free, not deep fried, doesn't contain MSG or artificial flavours, doesn't come in a destined-for-the-garbage bag, tastes fresh for up to two weeks (when stored in an airtight container), and it's super inexpensive, and takes minutes to make. And with Super Bowl right around the corner, this tasty snack really couldn't have popped in to my life at a better time (get it, popped? hehe)! I'm not a huge football fan (mostly because I have a very poor attention span), but I love Super Bowl because I get to make a spread of yummy snacks for hubby, kiddo and I. Last year I made kale & spinach dip, sourdough pizza, caramelized onion & roasted garlic hummus, roasted chickpeas, kale chips, and salt n' pepper chicken wings with homemade blue cheese dip! A true, modern hippie, real food, snack-fest. This year, Sweet n' Spicy Chipotle and Kid-Friendly "Cheesy" Popcorn, will be making an appearance on the modern hippie snack table, too! Here's How to Make Your Game Day Popcorn, Two Ways...

#1 Sweet & Spicy Chipotle Popcorn

With a sweet, smokey and buttery flavor, this popcorn really curbs the BBQ chip cravings. It's a tad on the spicy side, too, which I love, but your little ones may not. Ingredients

1/2 cup Popcorn Kernels, organic & GMO-free
2 tbsp Coconut Oil
6 tbsp Butter, unsalted (preferably grass fed)
1/2 tsp Chipotle Powder (can sub for Chili Powder or use both)
1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
1/2 tsp Cumin
1/2 tsp Onion Powder
1/2 tsp Cane Sugar, Organic
1/2 tsp Salt (quality salt, like pink himalayan rock salt)

Preheat the oven to 350.

Melt coconut oil in popcorn maker (I like this kind) or large pot.

If you're using a pot, melt the oil on medium heat, then add the popcorn and cover with a lid. The popcorn is finished when there's about 10 seconds between pops!

Immediately remove from heat to prevent burning the popcorn, and transfer to a bowl.

In the same pot, melt the butter, then add all of the remaining ingredients.

Pour spicy-butter over to popcorn and toss to coat.

Spread the popcorn out on a baking sheet, and bake for 5 min.

Let partially cool and store in an air-tight container, or serve right away!

Will stay fresh for a couple weeks.

#2 Kid-Friendly "Cheesy" Popcorn

I equally love this cheesy-tasting popcorn. It's nice to have the variety because the two are so different. There actually isn't any cheese in this recipe, but I doubt you could tell! The secret, is nutritional yeast (I use this kind), which you can usually find in the baking aisle. Nutritional yeast has a mild, cheesy flavor, especially when mixed with butter and salt, and is rich in B vitamins. Ingredients

1/2 cup Popcorn Kernels, organic & GMO-free
2 tbsp Coconut Oil
6 tbsp Butter, unsalted (preferably grass fed)
1/2 tsp Garlic Powder (make your own!)
1/2 tsp Onion Powder (make your own!)
1/2 tsp Salt (quality salt, like pink himalayan rock salt)
2 tbsp Nutritional Yeast