Recipe Redux: Chili Lime Popcorn

I’m a snacker.  I snack all the time.  I often forgo actual meals in favor of snacks because snacks are just so good.  I’ve noticed that there tend to be two types of snackers in the world: salty snackers, and sweet snackers.  I am, without a doubt, a salty snacker.  No cookies for me, I’ll take the potato chips, pretzels, and popcorn.

When I travel, I like to bring my own snacks.  This is partially because I get cranky when I get hungry, and having snacks on hand keeps me from snapping at the person nearest to me.It's also partially because homemade snacks tend to be cheaper and more satisfying than anything you can get on the road.  Last week I flew to San Francisco with my family, who gave me bizarre looks as I pulled out more and more random food from my bag.

My newest snack obsession is popcorn.  Oh my goodness do I love popcorn.  It’s light, it’s crunchy, and I can eat a satisfyingly large amount as one serving.  I very recently started popping my own popcorn.  You see, the store bought bags are full of fat and chemicals and come in pretty boring flavors.  But popping it yourself is not only healthier, but it's tons of fun and it also means you can flavor it however you want.  I like to pop a whole bunch and portion it out for my week of snacking at work. 

I’m currently on a chili lime kick.  It started with this awesome spice mix that I randomly picked up (yay for shopping trips to HomeGoods!), but soon I ventured into lime zest and chili powder combinations and oh my I have found my new best friend.  This stuff is going with me everywhere.

Chili Lime Popcorn

Serves 8

Ingredients:

1/2 cup popcorn kernels

1.5 tablespoons olive oil

1/4 teaspoon salt

1.5 teaspoon chili powder

Zest of two limes

1 lime wedge

Directions:

1) Pour one tablespoon of oil, popcorn kernels, and salt into a heavy bottomed pot.  Mix well, then place over medium to high heat.  Hold the lid over the top, slightly offset to allow steam to escape.  As the kernels begin to pop, keep shaking the pot to keep them from burning.

2) When the popping slows, remove the pot from heat and let it stand for a minute.  Squeeze the lime juice over the popcorn, pour the remaining oil over the popcorn, then add in the chili powder and lime zest and toss to distribute everything.  Serve immediately or store in ziplock bags until you’re ready to eat.

Enjoy!