Gourmet Popcorn {4 Ways!}

In the world of snacks, there are few that rank higher on my list than popcorn.  I can barely resist being anywhere near the stuff and not indulging.  And I won't even mention what happens each time I enter the concession area of a movie theater (whether I've eaten just before arrival or not).  Let's just say I never leave empty-handed.  Yes, it's like that.

For me, popped corn is wonderfully scrumptious on its own, with a bit of salt (and maybe hot sauce--don't judge me), and needs little more to be enjoyed.   But on the occasion that you're looking to "doctor it up", elevating it from simple bar snack status to something rather unforgettable, an easy gourmet touch is all you need.

From sweet, to savory, and beyond, there's no end to the flavor combinations to be had.  I'm sharing four of my favorites to get you started with scrumptious snacking and....

Happy Eating!

Gourmet Popcorn
When going for "top-shelf" popcorn snacking, I prefer to start by popping my own corn kernels (vs. microwaving).  It's quick and easy and can be done in a matter of minutes on the stove-top or with an air-popper.  I recommend using a neutrally flavored oil like canola, sunflower, or vegetable, and following the packaging instructions for perfectly popped corn!

Cinnamon-Sugar 

1/4 cup sugar
1/2 tablespoon cinnamon
Pinch of salt
Popcorn

Stir or whisk together the sugar, cinnamon and salt.  Sprinkle desired amount over (freshly popped) popcorn and enjoy! Store any extra sugar in an air-tight container.

Garlic-Butter

6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons garlic powder
Generous sprinkling of salt
Popcorn

Stir garlic powder and salt into just-melted butter and drizzle over popcorn. Enjoy!

Chocolate-Nut Mix

1/3 cup chocolate chips 
1/3 cup nuts (almonds, peanuts, cashews, etc.)
Popcorn

Add chocolate and nuts to popcorn and toss to combine.  Enjoy!

Buttered Toffee 

Toffee Sauce
Popcorn

Drizzle toffee over popcorn and toss to coat.  Enjoy!





 

Pumpkin Maple Bread Pudding with Toffee Sauce

It seems everything, everywhere in the food stratosphere right now is about pumpkin.  Pumpkin has long been considered a star ingredient for Fall and holiday fare...and I recently decided it was high time that I join in on the fun.

Bucking the traditional pumpkin pie, I still wanted the flavors--the warmth, spice, and homey goodness--that have made it a perennial favorite.  From there my aspirations turned to coming up with a knockout version of pumpkin bread pudding that couldn't be resisted--or forgotten.  Combining pumpkin, maple and a host of "it must be the holidays already" spices, it was a treat in the making, with the usual ease that I love when making bread pudding.

And although this sugar-n-spice confection needs no further handling to enjoy, I couldn't resist finishing it with a generous drizzle of homemade, buttery toffee sauce.  

So when you're ready for decadent, perfect for breakfast, brunch, dessert--and all-around indulgent--noshing, this recipe is one you'll want in your arsenal.

Happy Eating!

Pumpkin Maple Bread Pudding  

Ingredients:

1 lb. baguette cut into 1-inch cubes
4 cups half-n-half
3 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 can (15 oz.) pumpkin puree
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground ginger
½ teaspoon ground allspice
½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

¼ teaspoon ground clove
1 cup light brown sugar
¼ cup maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Unsalted butter

Method: 
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.  Butter a 9x13 baking dish and set aside.

Place bread cubes in a large bowl.  In a separate bowl combine the remaining ingredients (except for the butter, which is used above) and whisk to combine well.  Pour the custard mixture over the bread and allow the bread to soak in the mixture for 10-15 minutes.

Pour the bread and custard into the baking dish and bake until set, approximately 45-50 minutes.  Remove from the oven and place on a wire rack to cool.  Serve warm or at room temperature with toffee sauce (recipe to follow) and enjoy.

Toffee Sauce    
Ingredients: 
1 stick of unsalted butter
½ cup heavy cream
½ cup dark brown sugar 
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon salt 

Method: 
Heat ingredients in a medium saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is dissolved.  Increase the heat to a medium heat and allow to simmer until the sauce thickens, about 10 minutes, stirring frequently.