Spice Up Your Popcorn

Hello!

I’m new here and for my first post, I thought it best to share with you one of my favorite things.

Popcorn!

I think popcorn is one of the world’s most underappreciated snack foods.

While at first glance it may appear to be somewhat boring, I’m here to stand up for the awesomeness that is popcorn and share with you all the ways I enjoy it. Or at least several ways I enjoy it.

At this point, I’m up to 36 different spice combinations in my Popcorn Library. But I don’t wish to overwhelm with my first post, so instead, I’ll share my totally scientific (cough) method of popcorn experimentation and hopefully inspire you to boost your popcorn satisfaction.

A slight tangent, but when I research something, I go all out. I just finished a two year quest to find the perfect antiperspirant/deodorant. Really. There may be a future post on that, but not today.

So. Popcorn. In case you are not already an aficionado, let me convince you that popcorn is good for you. There are not a lot of snacks you can say that about.

To be fair, the healthiest popcorn is plain and air popped. However, you can still enjoy the benefits of popcorn even if you add some butter and salt or spices.

It’s all in the method. There is no need to drown the popcorn in butter to make it tasty. Think of the butter, should you choose to use it, as the glue on the canvas of popcorn art.

Ok. Maybe I’m overstating it. Let’s get down to it.

The first thing to consider is how you’re going to pop it. I don’t go for the completely dry air popped usually. I also don’t abide by prepackaged microwave popcorn. After starting more than one fire in my microwave trying to dry pop in a brown bag lunch bag, I turned to the internet for help.

Turns out, there are several serviceable microwave vessels to pop your corn. I decided on one with a melamine bowl and a plastic top with excellent air vents.

The beauty of this popper is you can pop dry or with some oil or butter.

I have tried both and I usually like a tsp of oil (usually olive, but I also like sesame and peanut) and 1/3 c of popcorn.

Directions say you should set it for 3-4 minutes, but I go by the rule that once there is a two second lapse between pops, you’re done. For me, that's just under 3 minutes. YMMV.

Now onto the good stuff.

Even if you pop it with some oil, your spices will likely fall to the bottom. Here are some that kind of stick.

1.     Cinnamon/sugar—for whatever reason, even without butter, cinnamon and sugar has good stick. Amp this combo up with nutmeg, allspice, and star anise. A little goes a long way here.

Consider also pumpkin pie spice. I know. It sounds weird, but I promise you’ll have a spicy snack that doesn’t at all resemble a pumpkin pie.

2.     Chipotle/Adobe/Smoked paprika—I don’t suggest all three at once, but I’m suggesting a spicy smoky profile. I’ve tried them all.

I tend to the smoked paprika, but I recently tried an Adobe seasoning with finely chopped jalapenos that was pretty great.

This is something else to broaden your horizons. Wet things. I used canned jalapenos because fresh sunk like a rock…and they were tasty. Include enough of the juice to make it stick but not result in soggy popcorn.

Also, while we’re on the topic, chili seasoning is amazing on popcorn.

Also, pickles are great on popcorn. But they need to ride solo.

3.     Smoked salt—enough said.

4.     Italian—I won’t spend a lot of time on this because most of you have already figured it out. Garlic salt is excellent on popcorn. But have you considered basil, oregano, and thyme? Because of their wide surface area, they tend to stick on popcorn without extra glue (read: butter)

5.     Cheese—frankly, cheese is a tricky thing. You don’t want to administer cheese in large amounts that makes everything gooey and disguises the star that is popcorn. So, you’ll want to finely grate the cheese. I like a pecorino, but a finely grated Parmesan is also great.

Penseys puts out a cheese blend you should look into.

6.     Truffles- - I love me some truffle salt and although a little spendy, I recommend it highly. Even some white truffle oil would be awesome. This one I use with butter. Actually, I like it with butter, truffle salt, and some finely grated Parmesan.

7.     Curry—I’m not a curry expert, but I have used a variety of curry spices with some butter and loved it. In addition to garam masala. I have used a Balti and a Maharajah spice blend. Still from Penzeys. Not too hot, but with an amazing spice.

I think I’ve gone far enough tonight. I hope I have inspired you to think of the humble popcorn in a new way. It’s a canvas. Go forth and spice!

 

Awesome Life Friday #140

Welcome to Awesome Life Friday!

We're so looking forward to seeing what you've been cooking, creating, growing, decorating, reviewing, giving away, and thinking about this week!

While you're here, leave your posts at the other link up we co-host here - Party in Your PJs!  It starts on Tuesday evenings, and runs through Sunday.  I hope you'll join us there as well!

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Winter DIY Snowman Wreath // Live * Craft * Love
"Make this DIY snowman wreath and add it to your front door for the holidays then leave it up all winter long."

Scandinavian Buffalo Check DIY Christmas Tree Ornaments // Blowing Away Out West
"Maybe it’s because buffalo check reminds us of cabins with big windows to watch the snow fall, but it’s all the rage for Christmas these days."

Gingerbread Cheesecake Roll Ups // This AutoImmune Life
"Christmas is fast approaching! And nothing says Christmas like gingerbread! Enjoy one of Christmas’ favorite flavors in these Gingerbread Cheesecake Roll Ups."

Crockpot Cranberry Citrus Cinnamon Tea // Housewife How-Tos
"Crockpot Cranberry Citrus Cinnamon Tea is one of the first things I make when someone in my family feels like they’re coming down with a cold. It’s a warm and soothing drink, especially with the addition of honey to comfort coughs and scratchy throats."

Winter Travel Survival Tips // The (mis)Adventures of a Homesteadin' Mama
"Winter survival kits are not just for motorists who drive back roads. Unexpected weather conditions can find even city drivers in a predicament. No matter where you drive, you are your own first line of defense against Old Man Winter, because you never know when help will arrive."

Scatter Kindness // Dragonfly Treasures
"Yep, we've jumped on the bandwagon too! After all the world definitely needs more kindness!"

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Here we go!

An InLinkz Link-up

Anza Borrego Mud Caves and Sandstone Canyon With Kids

Nestled in the middle of the California desert is the Arroyo Tapiado Mud Caves or as us desert go-ers know them as, the Anza Borrego Mud Caves. These are a site that you definitely want to see at least once in your life!

These caves are estimated to be over 5 million years old. They are created from the erosive nature of rainfall and the mud hills. There are multi-level caves, caverns that open up to show the sky in an otherwise completely dark area, tiny crevices that you have to crawl through and 35' open areas.

Some of the caves are as much as 5 miles long, going deep into the ground and raising up the sides of the mountains.

These are located about 25 miles north of the I-8 freeway in a small community of CranBrake, CA.

As you are driving down the road in the middle of the desert, you will see a sign that points Left to "Palm Springs" (not THE Palm Springs so don't make that mistake).  Take that turn and follow the dirt path for a few miles until you see the signs for Arroyo Tapiado, from there you have a two mile journey before you hit the peak of the mountains and start to see the caves!

There is roughly 5 caves that are visible and accessible from the road.

Now, with any of natures beautiful wonders, there is some danger. You never want to go near the caves after a rainstorm or an earthquake. The worry of rock/mud slides is always a thing to keep in the back of your mind.

These are located in the middle of the desert, where the heat can raise well above 100 degrees. As with any setting like this, you need to remember to drink water and carry the proper provisions for your journey.

Don't worry though, as soon you come close to the entrance of the cave, you begin to feel the cold air. The further in you go, the colder it gets. It is truly amazing to be sweating in the 100 degree weather and the next minute cooling down.

My family and I have been to these caves four times now. This was our first time with my 1 year old son going to the caves. He just learned how to walk last month so it was definitely an adventure!

You can camp along the trail anywhere you would like but beware at dark, because a lot of people come flying through there in their trucks and if you are not far enough off the road, you can get hurt.

We happened to have found THE perfect spot and try to get this spot every time we go.

It is a big cleared out spot that is right in between the huge mountains and right across the road is the entrance to the biggest cave! It really is perfect!

We set up our tent, got all our firewood ready and started our fire.

We usually have a camp stove and set it all up to make our "gourmet camping food" but this time around we kept it simple with a few cans of soup and raviolis.

You have to remember that your kiddos are probably going to be playing more than they would be at home, getting dirtier and being more thirsty than at home. Pack accordingly!

I have a 6 year old, a 4 year old and a 1 year old. I packed double their snacks, juices, milk and tons of water.

It is always better to be over prepared than it is to regret not bringing that second box of crackers.

Being out in the middle of the desert on an off road trail, unless you have experience could spell disaster. You have to think anything could happen. What happens if you get a flat tire with no spare? Something happens to your car that you cannot fix? Better to have that extra food and drink laying around, just in case.

You also want to remember that you are in the desert, so when you pack clothing, it will be hot during the day and cool at night. It is sand and rocks everywhere, so bring lots of extra clothing for those kiddos.

Flashlights, head lamps, etc are always a must while in the caves. It is pitch dark the second you walk into these caves.

I always made sure to equip each kid with a flashlight or head lamp before entering.

Of course our little man was carried almost the whole time, but he was able to walk for a small portion of it.

I carry a backpack with wet wipes, extra drinks and snacks.

As you are walking through you can visibly see where the water has run through the floor of the caves. You can see how it has carved the paths and made bridges and walkways for you to explore. It is truly breathtaking to see what nature is capable of.

As you venture through, there are a few spots that open up to caverns and openings to the sky! You can be in pitch dark and all of a sudden come up on a spot that you can see the stars!

You can follow the caves as far as you would like to go, some go for miles. With the kids, we lasted about 40 minutes of just straight walking down into this cave. We have gone without the kids before and have spent hours in them!

There are a lot of really cool carvings and photo opportunities inside, if you have a camera.

This time around, we stayed at this spot for just one night. The next morning we woke up and packed up the truck. You can either come back the way you came and hit the main road, or you can take the off road journey through the desert which takes a good 3-4 hours and head through the Solidified Highway. We chose the latter!

As you head away from the caves, there are a lot of small, tight trails that you must take with rock walls on both sides of you. Rocks and valleys where the rain has just destroyed the roads are always a common threat. You have to be on your toes at all times when you are out there.

Drive slow, drive smart and think!


It is said that 4 wheel drive vehicles are a must, but if you know what you are doing, you should be able to get through with no problems. We have driven in a Ford Explorer, a stock Toyota Pickup and most recently a stock Dodge Ram with no issues.

You will eventually hit the end of the trail head, and be able to go left to Diablo's Drop off or head off to another trail which would lead you out into Ocotillo. We always choose to go to Diablo's Drop off.

Now the name alone sounds scary, and for an amateur it is probably a scary site. It is a steep hill that goes straight into a gorge with cliffs and deep ravines on both sides of you. It takes some maneuvering to get down. We have experience driving off road so it is no big deal for us.

As you continue to go down the trail, you start to come up on these huge sandstone mountains, mountains that tower over you on both sides. They are absolutely beautiful, colorful and you can see all the layers in them as they have been there for millions of years and the wind and rain is just slowly chipping away at them.

This area of the trails are called Fish Creek Trail. This is where it is said that you can find dinosaur tracks, the earthquake fault lines and wind caves.

This area leads to Sandstone Canyon where it will finally bring you out to asphalt! You've finally made it out.

You end up at Split Mountain Road in Ocotillo Wells. Once you are here, it is time to get away from the rocks, hop in the dirt and have some fun.

All of this trip was made in about 4 hours. We, of course, stopped a few times to let the kiddos run around, change a diaper or two and have some snacks.

Make sure that your camera is charged as there are a ton of places to take some pretty epic pictures!

This is an amazing day trip to take with your family or a group of friends. Make the most out of your day and explore what the desert has to offer you!