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!





 

My Birthday Dinner at King + Duke's

Yesterday brought the wonderful gift of another birthday.  I love birthdays and happen to enjoy celebrating my own with rounds of special occasions shared with family and dear friends.  And this year was no exception.  Starting with a Friday night outing and carrying over with other special touches throughout the weekend, my celebration culminated with an amazing dinner shared with a special friend.  

Over the last few months, I began noticing press on one of Atlanta's newer additions to the Buckhead foodscape, King + Duke, helmed by Chef Ford Fry of other favorite Atlanta dining spots.  So when the time to decide on the location of my birthday dinner rolled around, I tossed King + Duke into the pot for consideration, leaving the final decision to my friend who was celebrating me--and for that extra element of surprise that makes birthdays so fun.

King + Duke was crowned the winner and last night we embarked on a journey of varied tastes, some familiar and some not so familiar, but on my running foodie bucket list.  An open fire delivered up roasted, smoky and charred cuisine conveyed through delicacies such as Roasted Bone Marrow and Rabbit 4 Ways.   Succulent sea bass, creamy polenta, warm popovers, and a virtual sea of chocolate for the dessert course, rounded out the evening's presentations and made for a satisfying meal befitting this birthday girl--and the perfect ending to my day days of celebration.

Bread Course

Roasted Bone Marrow

Rabbit 4 Ways

Dark and Cozy Interiors

 
Happy Eating! 

{Save the Date}: Downtown Restaurant Week, Atlanta

Whoever created the concept of Restaurant Weeks is forever in my good graces.  There's no better opportunity to sample fine cuisine for a relative steal from some of the top restaurants in a featured location.  And here in my own hometown of Atlanta, GA, we take it seriously.  

Throughout the year, some of our main dining districts serve up their best via special menus priced to draw repeat customers and newcomers, alike, into their fold.  It's a great way to sample venues you've been wanting to try and enjoy longtime favorites without the typical cost that restaurant dining can impose.

So if you're in or near the Atlanta area (or planning to be) during the dates of July 27 through August 4, 2013, mark your calendar and enjoy the offerings of Downtown Restaurant Week.  With menus ranging from $15, $25 and $35, there's sure to be something for everyone.

Happy Eating!

Tricked Out Treats!

Chocolate Ganache Cupcakes

For many Halloween is a big deal, with all the trimmings (costumes, parties, scary movies, and so on).  For me, not so much, with the exception of helping myself to delicious treats and candies.  So whether you're in or you're out, it's always a good time to enjoy delicious sweet fare with a bit of flare! 

When the occasion or sweet tooth calls for it, I enjoy that special indulgence (or two).  And my kitchen quickly becomes my workshop.  Finishing chocolate cupcakes with a glossy ganache or turning buttery caramel up a notch with flaked sea salt can take your already favorite treats to the next level of good, yummy, unforgettable, dare I say "tricked out", eats. 

So why not take a turn in your kitchen and whip up some of your favorites--and then "trick them out" with a special finish, flavor profile or secret ingredient?  Special occasion or not, you'll definitely have a reason to celebrate.

Happy Eating!