Fun Festive Popcorn

This popcorn is a fun and festive way to enjoy the holiday season and share the festive spirit. Spiced, salty and sweet…such a delight! Jar it up and share it with loved ones for a delicious Christmas present idea, sit down with a bowl while you watch your favourite Christmas movie, bring it along to a Christmas picnic…or eat it however and whenever you please!

Makes about 5 cups

1/2 cup popcorn kernels
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon cardamom
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 cup maple syrup

1. Place a large heavy-bottomed pot on the stove over medium heat. Add the olive oil and about 3 corn kernels, then pop the lid on to cover.
2. Once the kernels start to pop, take off the lid and add the remaining kernels. Make sure they’re in an even layer, then put the lid on again.
3. Continue to cook over a medium heat. Crack the lid a tiny bit and gently shake the pot every 30 seconds or so. There’ll be lots of popping happening!
4. Once the popping slows to about one pop every few seconds, remove from the head immediately. Transfer the popcorn from the pot to a large bowl and set aside. There may be some in popped kernels, if so, just scoop them out with a spoon.
5. In a small bowl, mix all the spices and salt together and set aside.
6. In a small pot over low heat, melt the maple syrup or honey.
7. Pour the maple syrup over the popcorn and stir it through, then add the spice mix and stir it through. Enjoy!

P.S. If you want to get extra creative and festive, you could add in some dark chocolate chips, slivered almonds, flaked coconut or goji berries before serving it up!

P.P.S. This popcorn is definitely best enjoyed fresh. If you want it to last a day or two, I recommend using half the amount of maple syrup (about 1/4 cup) as it’ll help the popcorn stay more crisp.