Opening up the cookbook

Hayley Nord, Staff Writer

     It’s that time of year again. Time for pretty scenery, cool holidays, chilly weather, and, of course, delicious food. Since it’s fall again, I decided that it’s time to crack open the old cookbook for some tasty recipes. Hidden within my cookbook, I found a recipe I hadn’t tried before- sweet and salty popcorn. So I went out, bought all of the ingredients back, and set to work.

    Here’s what happened:

    6:15 p.m.: I get out the popcorn kettle, since I decided not to get microwave popcorn. I soon realize that I have never actually popped popcorn before.

    6:17 p.m.: After asking for help with my mother, she advises me to check the bag of the popcorn kernel bag for instructions. Sure enough, there they were.

    6:18 p.m.: I start making the popcorn. I discover it’s pretty easy. I burn myself from splatters of hot oil coming from the pan.

    6:23 p.m.: I pour the popcorn into a bowl and open the candy, syrups, and cashews.

    6:24 p.m.: I take a moment to enjoy the various snacks in front of me. I try a few pieces of popcorn, but stop when I realize that unbuttered popcorn isn’t in my list of favorites foods.

    6:25 p.m.: I melt a quarter stick of butter in the microwave to put on the popcorn.

    6:27 p.m.: I put the M&M’s in, along with the cashews. I drizzle the caramel syrup and the chocolate syrup over the top.

    6:29 p.m.:  I add some more M&M’s in. As well as drizzle some more chocolate on top.

    6:30 p.m.: I take my bucket of popcorn and curl up with my dog, ready to watch a movie or two.

    If I could do this recipe again, I would add in more salty snack foods, like almonds or peanuts. The sweetness from the caramel and the chocolate overpowered the salty part of the recipe. This is a good recipe for days you just want something easy to make and eat. It’s also really good for sharing, especially when watching a movie. It’s fast, and it’s a nice twist on a classic favorite. I will definitely make this again.