Party Fare on a Budget: Spicy Popcorn

For our Diwali party, I decided to break out an old-school snack that I think I had forgotten about since the ol' college days. I used to keep boxes and boxes of microwave kettle corn at all times: you never knew when a movie would spontaneously begin playing in those days.

Popcorn is the ultimate budget snack, especially if you make it using plain kernels either on the stove in a pot, or using this awesome contraption that our friends Lauren and Adam brought over for the party (thanks!). The microwaveable bowl essentially replaces the bag for microwave popcorn and helps you avoid the higher probability of burnt popcorn popped on the stove. Regardless, popcorn is CHEAP, and adding some chile powder or other spices to some melted margarine before tossing it into the popcorn is enough of a twist on an old favorite to wow the crowd easily.

I'm thinking about experimenting with sweet curry powder for my next batch...mmmm. Everything tastes better with curry it seems.

Spice up your life! This recipe is not just for parties.

Spicy Popcorn
Yields 6-8 cups popcorn

2 TBSP vegetable oil
1/2 cup popcorn kernels
4 TBSP butter or margarine (more if you like extra buttery popcorn!)
1 tsp extra hot chile powder (or any other spice)
salt and pepper to taste

Pop the popcorn by any method (using a microwave popper, an air popper, or the stove). If using the stove, make sure to coat the bottom of the pot with a little bit of oil to help prevent scorching. Click here for more-detailed instructions on popping popcorn on the stove.

Meanwhile, in a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the margarine or butter. When it is melted, add the chile powder and salt and pepper. Allow to heat through until the spices are fragrant.

Toss the freshly popped popcorn with the melted margarine or butter mixture in a large bowl and serve.