Cocoa popcorn

Popcorn is essentially healthy, it’s naturally high in fibre and antioxidants, it’s low in calories and fat, free from sugar and sodium. So why do we buy it at the cinema when it’s laden with salt, fat and calories?

This is a healthier and delicious alternative

Chocolate popcorn

Chocolate popcorn

3 tablespoons of organic coconut oil
250g organic unpopped corn kernels
2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons good quality cocoa powder

Using a heavy bottomed pan with a lid that fits well, heat the pot over a medium heat and melt the coconut oil. Leave a few moments and add a few kernels, covering securely with the lid. When they have popped, add the remaining kernels and cover.

After the kernels start to pop in ernest, begin to shake the pan every 10 seconds, keeping the lid securely shut, until the popping sound slows down. Keep shaking the pan, it reduces the risk of the bottom layer burning until very few kernels are popping and the sound almost stops. Remove from the heat and keep shaking, to ensure the corn kernels to not burn.

Combine the sugar and cocoa and sprinkle over the warm popcorn, shaking well again to combine. Alternatively, add a good quality sea salt, if you don’t want to add sugar and cocoa.

Experiment with flavours: sea salt and finely chopped rosemary, cracked pepper or salt with a sprinkling little vinegar. For a sweeter alternative, mix the sugar with cinnamon or drizzle melted chocolate over the top…

If you can manage to part with them, they make great presents too.