When I was a kid, my dad used to make popcorn on the stove – the old-fashioned way with just some kernels, some oil and a pot. I never realized just how easy this was until I made it for the kids and their friends one day.

I used to buy microwave popcorn or Smartfood, but I’ve found that most kids love the pot popcorn (ok, that didn’t sound so good). Really though, with a little melted butter and salt, it’s pretty tasty.

 AND the popcorn itself is made up of just that — kernels of popping corn — as opposed to the 10 or so ingredients found in the store-bought boxed varieties (and is a fraction of the cost.)

Of course, you can do all sorts of things with this basic popcorn (sometimes we add cinnamon and sugar), but one of my favorite recipes is a creation by chef Cat Cora. It combines two of my kids’ (probably most kids’) favorite food flavors — pizza and popcorn — and works great for a family movie night or as a surprise gourmet-esque appetizer.

Enjoy!

Pizza Popcorn 

Serves 4 (makes about 10 cups)

Ingredients

• 2 Tbsp. olive oil
• 10 cups popped popcorn (from ½ cup unpopped kernels; see “Popcorn Basics”)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan (freshly grated is really good)
• 1 tsp. dried oregano
• 1  Tbsp. finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes (I like up to 2 Tbsp)
• ¼ tsp. red pepper flakes (I use a little less, or you can omit)
• ¼ tsp. garlic powder

Directions

Total time: 10 minutes

In a large bowl, toss oil and popcorn. Add remaining ingredients and toss again.
(Best served fresh, right after making.)

What’s your favorite popcorn recipe?