Maple Cumin Popcorn

IF you are a Vermonter you probably have maple on the mind. You drive anywhere outside of the city and you start see all tubes and lines running through the woods attached to all the trees. And spring. The weather plays a huge part in sugaring so when the weather is right, people be talking. It's maple sugaring time around here so of course I am thinking maple thoughts. It is kind of hard not to.

The first thing that goes through my mind when I think about maple is that I think I want a small sugarbush on our land (the land we have yet to find and buy) We already know that we are going to have an apiary (bees and honey) so why not do maple too? The would keep us busy all summer through spring with sweet things. Summers with the bees then trudging through the cold waist high snow tapping trees and hanging out in a sugar house in the woods.. I think that it should be part of my life. Plus think about the possibilities of a name for a honey/maple farm. Let your mind take you there. 

Second thing I think about when I think about maple is how to eat it. Most people jump right to pancakes, maple on snow, or lattes. But then what? Not going lie, I do not have a sweet tooth, like at all. I do't eat pancakes covered in maple. I don't drink lattes, and the maple on snow thing got old in 5th grade.

But I do like popcorn. 

Maple popcorn. Sounds good right? But maybe a little too sweet so add in a savory component to balance the sweetness out, and that is where the cumin comes in.       Maple is earthy and sweet, and a tad bit smokey. Cumin is earthy and savory, and smokey as well.. The two together create a fantastical flavor combonation that is smokey sweet and savory and all so freaking good.  Added to popcorn, well it's right in all the ways that we need it to be.  

Now if the mr and I could just decide on a movie that we can both watch together... Probably just end up watching the Office instead. And we will each have our own bowls of popcorn. 

The stuff. Air popped popcorn, maple syrup, ground cumin, vegan butter, and salt.

Butter and cumin go into a pot to melt and activate the flavor of the cumin. 

Once the butter is melted and the cumin is fragrant, the maple joins the pot party. Keep the pot on low and stir continuously for about 5 minutes until the syrup get a tiny bit thicker. 

Maple cumin syrup ready to go.

Dump the popcorn on a large rimmed baking sheet. Grab the syrup and drizzle it all all over the popcorn. Toss it around, sprinkle with a a little salt and then pop it into the warm oven for 5-7 minutes to keep the popcorn from being soggy. 

And then it's done. Dump it into a big bow and get ready to eat. 

Sweet and smokey all in your mouth. This popcorn is sure to please.

-C

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Maple Cumin Popcorn 

makes about 8 cups popcorn

• 8-9 cups air popped popcorn
• 1 tablespoon vegan butter
• 1/3 cup real maple syrup (preferably from VT)
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• salt to taste

Preheat oven to 250.

Grab a large rimmed baking sheet and dump popcorn onto it.

Place cumin and butter in a small pot and place on low heat. Stir until butter is melted and you can start to smell the cumin. Add in the maple and continuously stir for about 5 minutes until it start to slightly thicken. Immediately drizzle the syrup all over the popcorn, toss it around, sprinkle with a little salt and then pop it into the oven for about 5-7 minutes to prevent the popcorn from becoming soggy.

Remove and let cool a minutes then dump popcorn into a big bowl. Grab a movie (because you know that is what you are doing) and get to the popcorn. 

Extra popcorn (but there will not be any) will last for a few days in a airtight container) 

Almond Joy Popcorn Crack

Last night had we had a couple littles (and my little sister who is not so little anymore) over for a cookout and watercolor evening.

It was fantastic. We set them up outside with paint, paper, and brushes and let them have at it. And while they were painting the mr took charge of the grill: cooking up potatoes, corn, and the tofu dogs. 

 I was cutting up fruit and making a special snack treat of popcorn (who doesn't love popcorn?) consisting of almond butter, coconut, and chocolate....Almond Joy popcorn.

Addictive like crack.  But still safe for children

The littles were more or less indifferent to it ( they are not big coconut fans..I know, but i am making it a mission to make them like it), but the sister and the mr… Lets just say I had to pull out my outdoor voice on them a few times (STOP EATING IT ALL!!!!!)

I think we have a winner here!

The stuff. A large quantity of air popped popcorn, almond butter, chocolate chip, coconut flakes and coconut oil. We also have some extra chocolate chips and a big handful of roasted almonds.

Licking your lips yet?

Start by dumpling your popcorn into the larges baking sheet to pan that you have.. the more surface area the better. Now heat up the almond butter. You can do this on the stove or in the microwave. The trick here is to heat it slowly so you don't burn it. If doing on the stove, put in a sauce pot and with a fork, constantly stir until a drizzable consistency. If in microwave, stick it in there for 10 second intervals. 

Note. I know from experience that there are many different types and consistency of almond butters out there.  If your butter seems really stiff and thick, add  a teaspoon of coconut oil. 

As soon as your almond butter is melted, drizzle all over the popcorn.

With the same pot (no need to clean) place teaspoon of coconut oil in it. Heat oil until hot. Remove from heat and stir in the chocolate chips. Kepp string until the chips are melted.

And drizzle that all over

Then toss on the coconut chips, chopped almond bits, and the chocolate chip.

With your (clean) hands, give the popcorn a good toss, mixing everything all around.

And now place either in a big bowl or individual cups (great for littles) I happened to have some pink(beet juice stained) shredded coconut on hand, which made for a nice touch of pretty (totally not necessary,but it kinda was).  Next time maybe some sprinkles would look nice…...

Anyway, be ready to lick you fingers!

And I am giving you ample amount of time to get the ingredients needed for this. Makes the perfect snack for a cookout, a party, or movie night(or Netflix binge)

Happy Day!!!

-C

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Almond Joy Popcorn Crack

• 6-7 cups air poppped popcorn
• 1/3 cup smooth almond butter 
• 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
• 1/2  cup chocolate chips plus a handful (use vegan chocolate chip if needed)
• 1 -2 teaspoon coconut oil
• handful of toasted almonds, chopped into pieces

 Feel free to play with proportion. You can adjust the amount and ratios of all the ingredients to your taste preference. 

Take  popcorn and dump on the biggest baking sheet or pan that you have and level it out. Either on the stove or in the microwave, heat almond butter until a melty a runny consistency. If doing so on the stove, make sure to consantly stir while heating* If in microwave, check ever 10 seconds. (burnt almond butter tastes like crap )

*Note. I find that all almond butters are not the same. IF you feel that yours is not melty and drizzable enough, add in a teaspoon of coconut oil.With a spoon or spatula, drizzle all over popcorn. .

Now take the coconut oil and melt  on stove or in microwave until hot.  Remove from heat, add in chocolate chips and mix around until fully melted. Drizzle all over popcorn .

And last but not least, take the coconut flakes, almond pieces, and the extra handful of chocolate chips  and toss those in too. With clean hands, give everything a good mix Dump into a big bowl or individual container. 

Eat with hands..lick your fingers clean..

Word of caution…Once you start, you will not be able to stop eating this.

Blood Orange Ginger Lime Sparkler Pop

    I have been meaning do a post on seltzer and syrups for a while now and this one is perfect… Everyone around me has been getting sick and I am trying my hardest to not get anything. 

Citrus and ginger…. Two of my favorite things, combined into one super refreshing, light and crisp, thirst quenching drink. Tasty and packed full of vitamin C from the citrus and blood warming, tummy healing ginger. Its kind of a feel better elixir, a good for you drink, a sparkler pop.  A drink everyone can get into       (the mister even liked it), And it has no added sugars or nasty coloring, it can't get much better.

Feeling Happy, feeling crappy, or just plain feeling, this drink is a good for it all.

 

I made the ginger date simple syrup ahead of time.. All I did what chop 2 1/2 tablespoons fresh ginger and  about 3 tablespoons pitted dates and added to a pot with a cup of water. Simmered the stuff until the dates were mostly dissolved, about 15 minutes, took off the  heat and pureed it. I let it steep for another 5 minutes and strained….no biggy.   This is a milder sweet simple syrup. If you like sweeter add more dates or even add a bit of honey… Do what tastes the best to you.

Juice the lime and blood orange…..so much pretty!

I ended up with about 12 tablespoons of juice from a the lime and the orange.. If you need or want to, juice an additional orange and lime. 

Add 2-3 tablespoons of the fresh juice per 12oz glass and add about 2-3 tablespoons of the ginger date syrup…(adjust amounts to you taste) Top off with cold plain seltzer water and maybe an ice-cube or two. ( I would have if I had thought to make ice)

So lovely…. so nice. I really got into these flavors. This drink has the ability to make you feel warm and cozy while being cold and fresh. It makes me happy.

Double thumbs up here!

Stay un-sick!

-C

Blood Orange Ginger Lime Sparkler Pop

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 tablespoons fresh chopped ginger
• 3 tablespoons chopped dates (more if you want sweeter)
• 1 cup water
• 1 lime
• 1 blood orange
• Plain Seltzer water
• Ice (optional)

For the ginger date syrup

In a small pot on low heat, add chopped dates and ginger to a cup of water. Simmer until dates  have mostly dissolved, about 15 minutes. remove from heat and puree with either  a blender to a hand emulsifier. Let steep for another 5 minutes and strain, reserving the pulp (add it to soup or salad dressing). Let completely cool.

To assemble drink, juice blood orange, and lime. Add about 3 tablespoons of the ginger syrup and 2-3 tablespoons of the citrus juice per 12 0z cup. Top with plain seltzer water, give it a light swirl with a spoon or straw and add ice cube if you want. Now have at it!

Bits of Happy

First week of the New Year.. and I am ready to take this year and ride it like a bull.(I don't know  exactly what that mean, but it sounds right) I am not a new years resolution kind of gal, but I am a goal oriented person and this week I have been thinking a lot about my goals and wishes for life…. and I am on my way..Nothing is going to stop me!(unless I end up getting arrested, but that is not a goal) Anyway, as always, the mister and I spent a good chunk of time with the family. Everyone's kids have had the past two weeks off and I think all of my sisters are about to kill a small child(possibly one of their own), so we tried to help out as much as we could.I mean, I am even happy that the kids all go back to school tomorrow. But it was a good week, we went to a bouncy castle birthday party (I didn't get to bounce..so sad)  and made balloon animals(well sort of. Nick knows how to do a few, I know how to make a snake and inappropriate jokes.) I got to bake a lot and test out a few new food recipes(tasty things to come!) Its been pretty freaking cold so we spent more time then usual indoors which meant I got to read a lot.  We even cleaned out the basement and made it more human friendly..and didn't kill each other doing it! All in all, not a bad start to the new year.  Here are some happy highlights.

New Years Eve hike. Anything outside makes me happy.This giant tree fell over on the trail and it looked so pretty. And yes, Washer looks handsome  too. 

        My Grammy Stems Poppy seed roll recipe…My Dad makes them every year and this is the first time I ever made them. I split the recipe in half( the recipe make 6 huge rolls) and turned one of the rolls into little rolls. Those little rolls might be one of the prettiest things I have ever made. I am going to be making them again soon. 

We had to take out Christmas tree down…which is kind of sad, but I stopped watering it and Nick stopped watering it….and it turned into fire tinder.  Nick took the popcorn garland from the tree and lined the fence…. that made up for not having the tree anymore. Best Christmas present ever…The Mister paid off my outrageous library fine so I can start taking books out again.!(what a guy) I am reading both of these at the moment… and both are excellent!  I kinda don't want to do anything but read. 

This situation going on here…sometimes the most simplest of ingredients make the best dishes… This blue arrow, a marker in the woods. I love arrows

A visit to a green house. I am a house plant slut…I have a ton and always want more.  But ever since we moved into our little cave(it has almost zero natural light) my plants have been sad and I am trying my hardest to keep them happy.  I was on the hunt for some plant food to keep my green babies alive and I found myself happily wondering this greenhouses. I think everyone should have a green house full of plants, it's impossible to not feel good in a light warm room of color. 

 Freshy snow walk. Our feet were the first to lay tracks around the neighborhood. Our feet are awesome.

I love my little kitchen wall, but I would love a little more space/storage/light. I am dreaming up a few kitchen projects for the mister and I to tackle, maybe more shelves, some hooks..Maybe a big old hole in the wall? I spend a lot of time fantasizing about little ways to make the kitchen a little more awesome(it's pretty awesome now) But I mean, a window would make everyone happy. Just an idea…We will see.

So yeah,  the little bits.

Hope You all had a great week and are staying warm and cozy!

-C

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Bits of Happy

The past week has been pack full of everything.. Birthdays (3 nephews within the week), Christmas, family family family…..Its a lot, but its been great. Not going to lie, I am ready for a little quite time, maybe a nice long day of locked doors and dead phones….we will see. But anyway, here are a few little bits of happy that I managed to snap photos of(I have been slack on picture taking this week)This is an amazing book, full of pictures and information about 123 different varieties of apples….I am so excited to read it! My love got it for me for Christmas….So nice, so sweet. Its been a weird weather week..warm and gray.. This touch of blue really stood out.I found my favorite rag wool socks (Hooray!!!!).. and wore them all week.(don't judge)

Ice Skating!!! One of my nephews was born on Christmas so we always do a skating  party at the ice rink on Christmas eve……….another of  my favorite family traditions…Always a super blast. Here my sister and nick were giving this little her first ever skating lessons. All I can say is good thing she was wearing a helmet.

 Another gift from the mister…a weck juice jar……If you know me or are getting to know me, you will know that I am jar obsessed and weck jars are some of my favorite. I eat, drink, store everything in jars. This beauty is destined for tea and or coffee.

I am not saying this because he is my lover, but Nick is an amazing artist. He has really gotten into using spray paint and has been doing some really awesome large scale images(nothing illegal…….yet!!) He did this whale a few days ago.. I am always blown away at he talent.

Popcorn drizzled in melted peanut butter….. WHOA!!!!! I also like to add garlic salt and chunks of fresh apple. It is the best most fantastic movie snack ever………Maybe I'll share with you sometime.An early morning walk with the pup to the waterfront…We watched the sun come up...I am so lucky to live in such a beautiful place.

I hope everyone is having a wonderful holiday.. eating some good food, relaxing, spending time with loved ones. So soon it will be 2015(Holly f***!!) Lets get ready!!!!!

Have a Happy Week!!!!