If you’re like me and would rather stay home and cuddle up with a good movie then you’re in for a treat. When you go out to see the newest box office hit (I wish Free Movie Tuesday still existed), you are practically forced to purchase the greasy, salty, popcorn snack they provide.
First of all, stir clear of prepackaged popcorn. It’s the enemy! Try popping your popcorn this way:
- Using your microwave, add 1 1/2 heaping tablespoons of kernels to a tempered-glass microwave-safe bowl with a vented lid. After cooking the kernels on high for about 2 to 3 minutes, use oven minutes to remove the bowl because it will be hot. This will make about 3 cups.
I know, sometimes we can’t help but go see the movie right when it comes out, but if you do have the strength to resist then you could be eating healthier. Whip up one of these healthy popcorn recipes for the perfect at home movie night:
1. Extra virgin coconut oil
Try cooking one tablespoon of popcorn in two-teaspoons coconut oil.Similar to butter, coconut oil is sweet and salty. However, unlike butter, extra virgin coconut oil may have several important health benefits, including raising your good cholesterol levels.
2. Rosemary Parmesan
Depending on how many people have the munchies, use a good sized bowl and drizzle 3 cups popped popcorn with 1 teaspoon olive oil. Then sprinkle the popcorn with 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh rosemary and 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese. Toss the popcorn in the mixture then top with black pepper if desired.
3. Pina Colada
Again, using extra virgin coconut oil, melt it over low heat in a small saute pan for about 15 seconds, or microwave on high in a small glass dish for 30 seconds. Drizzle 3 cups of popcorn with the oil then sprinkle with 1 finely chopped ring of dried pineapple, 2 teaspoons sweetened coconut flakes, and 1/8 teaspoon salt, then toss well to coat evenly.
4. Sugar n’ Spice
In a good sized bowl, pour 3 cups of popcorn with 1 teaspoon flaxseed oil. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon powdered sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, and 1/8 teaspoon salt, then toss well to coat evenly for some sugar n’ spice and everything nice.
5. Cran-Chocolate
In glass bowl, microwave 1 tablespoon dark chocolate chips until just beginning to melt so about 45 seconds. Mixing it well, there should be a few lumps in the chocolate with a rubber spatula until chocolate is about three-quarters of the way melted. Put 3 cups popped popcorn in another larger bowl and top with melted chocolate then sprinkle with 2 tablespoons dried cranberries and 1/8 teaspoon salt, then mix thoroughly. You will want to place the popcorn in the refrigerator for it to cool for you to not make a mess.
Which popcorn recipe is your favorite? Share your thoughts with us on Facebook and Twitter: @LucilleRoberts
Recipes via Women’s Health
