Popcorn with Pep

We like movies in our house. Lots of movies. We like to spend most Friday nights at home watching a movie as a family, whether it’s a blockbuster or a quirky Netflix original. But every now and then, it’s a special treat to go out to the movie theater together.

This past week, we were part of the millions of people that went to see Avengers: Endgame the night it opened. There is something extra thrilling about getting to see a movie before other people spoil it for you. It is great fun to be in a movie theater when the audience is invested enough to clap and cheer. Don’t worry – you will get no spoilers here!

Part of the movie experience is popcorn. I must confess, we did not buy popcorn during the movie this time because the salty goodness leads to beverages, which leads to needing to run to the bathroom. This particular movie is 3 HOURS LONG and action packed all the way.

But once we were home, I was inspired to make a popcorn treat worthy of our favorite, feisty super heroes. What makes popcorn so delicious is the salty crunch. What’s even better is a salty crunch with a little sweet and a little spice, just like our favorite Marvel characters.

I like to make popcorn in my Presto PowerPop microwave popper. It makes a lot of fluffy popcorn without needing any oil. For this recipe, you can use whatever method you like to make fresh popcorn.

For the deliciously addictive drizzle, I used semi-sweet baking chocolate because it melts smoothly. Then I added some cinnamon and cayenne pepper to give it some kick. The finishing touch is sprinkling some Fleur de Sel on top. It’s easy to make and easy to tweak, if you want to play with it.

I do need to warn you that the delicious drizzle melts very easily in your hands. If this is a mess you are not willing to deal with, you can experiment with melting a little paraffin to add to the chocolate. This is a fairly common practice in the candy-making world. It can add a little sheen to the chocolate and help it harden better. I am intrigued by the idea, but haven’t played with it myself.

If you have a favorite popcorn recipe, I would love the hear about it and give it a try. We have lots of movies still to watch and the popcorn possibilities are endless.

Happy Munching!

AuthorMelissa JoyDifficultyBeginner

Yields1 Serving
Prep Time15 mins

 8 cups Freshly Popped Popcorn
 8 oz Semi Sweet Baking Chocolate
 ¾ tsp Cinnamon
 ¼ tsp Cayenne Pepper
 ¼ tsp Fleur de Sel or Flake Salt

1

Pop the popcorn in an air popper or in the microwave. Set aside.

2

Slowly melt the baking chocolate in a microwave safe bowl, starting with 30 seconds on 50% power. Stir and repeat until the chocolate is melted.

3

Once the chocolate is melted, add the cayenne and cinnamon and stir until blended.

4

Spread the popcorn out on a baking sheet lined with wax paper.

5

Using a fork, drizzle the chocolate evenly over the popcorn until covered to your liking.

6

Allow the chocolate to cool and harden, then break apart and serve.

Ingredients

 8 cups Freshly Popped Popcorn
 8 oz Semi Sweet Baking Chocolate
 ¾ tsp Cinnamon
 ¼ tsp Cayenne Pepper
 ¼ tsp Fleur de Sel or Flake Salt

Directions

1

Pop the popcorn in an air popper or in the microwave. Set aside.

2

Slowly melt the baking chocolate in a microwave safe bowl, starting with 30 seconds on 50% power. Stir and repeat until the chocolate is melted.

3

Once the chocolate is melted, add the cayenne and cinnamon and stir until blended.

4

Spread the popcorn out on a baking sheet lined with wax paper.

5

Using a fork, drizzle the chocolate evenly over the popcorn until covered to your liking.

6

Allow the chocolate to cool and harden, then break apart and serve.

Mexican Chocolate Popcorn