Popcorn passport: A cultural journey through your favorite snack

HERE’S YOUR BASE OF PLAIN AIR POPPED POPCORN. THE CHOICES TO SPICE IT WITH ARE ENDLESS.

PHOTO CREDIT: EMILY COHEN

 

By Emily Cohen

 

Popcorn. It is usually a snack that is associated with movie theaters, raisinets, and way too much salt and butter. A guilty pleasure for some, a dehydrating and bloat inducing snack for others.

 

Maggie Rogers, a junior dance major, loves popcorn as a small snack at almost any hour of the day. You could even say it is one of the main food groups in her diet.

 

“I think it’s the perfect little treat after school because it is light and airy so it won’t sink in your stomach,” said Rogers.

 

So how do you take the stereotypical movietime snack and turn it into something that foodies all around will praise? Easy. Just add some spices from around the world to give this all-American classic a global spin.

 

Step one: Pour a layer of oil of your choice into a large pot.

 

Step two: Sprinkle a quarter cup of popcorn kernels into the pot and cover it with the lid.

 

Step three: Turn up the heat on the stove to medium-high.

 

Step four: Wait patiently and listen for the “pop, pop, pop!” of the kernels as they turn into a mess of fluffy white popcorn and add spices of choice.

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THIS SPICY SRIRACHA POPCORN IS EASY TO MAKE AND ADDS A KICK TO THE GENERIC SNACK.

PHOTO CREDIT: EMILY COHEN

 

First stop on the map, Thailand – Spicy Sriracha Popcorn.

 

For those of you who love spicy foods, this popcorn with a kick will introduce your taste buds to a whole new level of snacking.

 

What to do: Melt together two tablespoons of butter with one to two tablespoons of Sriracha sauce (depending on how spicy you want it to be). Then pour this mixture over your air popped popcorn. Mix well in either a bag or with a spatula, add salt to taste, and there you have it.

 

“My friend from home introduced me to Sriracha popcorn over the summer because she knew I liked spicy foods. This became my go-to every time I want something to munch on while doing homework or watching a show,” said Brett Buford, a junior health science major.

 

Next stop, India – Golden Curry and Raisin Popcorn.

 

Ever think about adding curry to your snack foods? Now is your opportunity to try this traditional spice with a salty-sweet feel.

 

What to do: Melt together four tablespoons of butter with ½ cup of golden raisins, one tablespoon of sugar, and ½ tablespoon of curry powder on low heat. Once blended together, pour the mixture over your blank canvas popcorn. Mix well and add salt to taste.

 

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GOLDEN CURRY RAISIN POPCORN WILL INTRODUCE SOME NEW FLAVORS TO YOUR LIFE.

PHOTO CREDIT: EMILY COHEN

 

Now make your way down to Italy – Rosemary Olive Oil Parmesan Popcorn.

 

Those of you out there who are not as adventurous with your flavors and spices, this might speak to your palette. Its popular ingredients can be found in almost any household and are versatile enough for anyone with a savory complex.

 

What to do: Toss together ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, three tablespoons of olive oil, one tablespoon of finely chopped fresh rosemary, and two teaspoons of kosher salt over a batch of hot popcorn. The key is to have the popcorn hot while blending the ingredients together so the cheese melts into the mixture for the ultimate chic and cheesy experience.

 

“This popcorn takes a little bit of preparation, but it is so worth it. I love adding Parmesan cheese to anything I can, so why not popcorn?” said Emma Belson, junior athletic training major. “Sometimes I even dip it in marinara sauce on the side. Yum!”

 

Salsa your way down to Mexico for our next venture – Chili Lime Popcorn.

 

Mexican food is a cuisine that most, if not all, Southern Californians can agree upon. This combination of spices really brings out the tangy and zesty flavors found in many Mexican dishes, especially those found in tacos. Think tacos with a different kind of crunch.

 

What to do: While the fresh popcorn is still warm, drizzle one tablespoon of olive oil or melted butter over the batch. Then blend together ½ teaspoon of chili powder, one teaspoon of cumin, a pinch of pepper, and 1-½ teaspoons of salt. Sprinkle half of this spice blend over the popcorn, making sure to evenly spread it. Then drizzle another tablespoon of olive oil or butter over the popcorn and repeat. Once mixed, add some fresh lime zest and squeeze a little lime juice over the snack for some tang.

 

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TAKE A STEP BACK TO YOUR CHILDHOOD WITH PB&J POPCORN.

PHOTO CREDIT: EMILY COHEN

 

And finally, make your way back to the good old USA – PB&J Popcorn.

 

Take a step back in time to a childhood classic gone gourmet. Got a sweet tooth? Read on.

 

What to do: Divide your batch of popcorn into two bowls- one for peanut butter, the other for jelly. Over medium-low heat on the stove top, melt ½ cup of white chocolate with one tablespoon of peanut butter (chunky or smooth depending on your preference). Stir until smooth and pour the hot sauce over one bowl, spreading evenly with a spatula. Then lay it out on a piece of parchment paper to cool. Repeat this process with 1-½ tablespoons of a jelly of your choice. Once both batches are completely cooled, combine the two for a sweet treat.

 

“In the end, popcorn has more fiber than bread does, and a bowl of popcorn lasts longer than a sandwich would. So why would you not want an entire bowl of peanut butter and jelly is my question,” said Kelsey Mackin, a junior public relations and advertising major, and peanut butter and jelly enthusiast.

 

Consider popcorn a blank canvas for whatever your taste buds desire, whether that is a spicy concoction from a foreign culture or a sweet treat from a familiar childhood snack.

 

Step 5: Pour gourmet popcorn into a large bowl.

 

Step 6: Sit back, enjoy, share.

 

 

 

 

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