Popcorn is utterly delicious when popped at home; a world apart from the smelly, over-priced vats that are sold in the cinema. I find it is best enjoyed super-fresh, still warm from the pan. If you do not slather it in fatty and sugary toppings, it is both a healthy and filling snack. It always amazes me that although popcorn seems totally dry, there is enough water still within to turn to steam with enough pressure to cause it to pop. I try to use a more expensive gourmet popcorn, after all a little goes a long way, and overall it is still a frugal snack (not to mention an excellent way to entertain small children on a rainy afternoon).
My corn was from ZaraMama – named after the Incan Goddess of Grain – they stock a dozen different types of corn, with exotic and tasty sounding names such as creamy crunch, fiery amber and pink blossom. A 90g bag costs just over £1 which will make two huge bowls full, still a bargain.
Delicious and morerish Speculoos spread is hard to describe, I only discovered it on my last trip to France. It is Lotus biscuit paste in a jar. Spicy and caramalised (remarkably Lotus biscuits account for a massive 20% of biscuit consumption in their home county of Belgium). Perfect spread on toast, pancakes in cakes or sometimes it begs to be eaten straight from the jar with a spoon standing in front the still open cupboard. Remarkablily it is one of those “accidentally” vegan products, free from diary and eggs. It is also a good peanut butter substitution for nut allergy sufferers.
Whenever I mention Speculoos on twitter I am sent a barrage of replies extolling its virtues and deliciousness, but, bizarrely it does not seem to be stocked by any of the UK supermarkets* – I think we need a twitter campaign to lobby them to get it in store, although I wonder if it will lose at least some of its allure if its scarcity value goes? I bought back 4 pots from France last November, carefully swaddled in a fleece at the bottom of my suitcase and have been rationing them ever since. If you crave the taste, but do not have a jar of the paste, Steenbergs have a Koekkruidden spice blend which will give you the flavour at least.
* Update: Now you can buy Speculoos in both Waitrose in Sainsburys (they called it Lotus caramelised spread)
Today I opened my last jar to make the popcorn, heaven in a bowl.
Recipe: Speculoos Popcorn
Serves 2
Scant glug vegetable oil
2oz / 1/4 cup popcorn1 heaped tbs Speculoos Spread
1 heaped tbs non diary spread (or butter if you eat it)
Good pinch sea saltPlace the oil and popcorn in a pan with a well fitting lid and put on a medium / high heat. Swirl the pan every 20 seconds or so. When the corn starts to pop turn the heat right down.
Meanwhile, melt the Speculoos spread and butter together and stir well, adding sea salt to taste.
When the corn is popped pour the Speculoos sauce over and mix well.
Sit down with a good film and scoff
This does indeed sound like heaven in a bowl! Yum!
I’ve never tried popping my own popcorn before. On my to try list!
My italian housemate always used to make popcorn (and wrecked one of our saucepans too in the process) but it’s something I never think to do at home. I know Ted would love it though and it occurs to me it would be ideal for his birthday parrty. Now to see if I can make my single jar of speculoos paste last until then!!
That sounds like amazing stuff. I have always wondered about what makes popcorn pop, although obviously not enough to look it up, so thanks for clearing that up, hehe :D
You can also make popcorn in the microwave without having to use specially-branded microwave popcorn. Basically, you just need a paper bag, full details here: http://www.squawkfox.com/2010/07/27/popcorn-recipe-gourmet-popcorn. This looks like a great popcorn topping, and I love the idea of speculoos flavour on everything!
I am totally with you on the Speculoos campaign. I adore it.
This looks delicious! I keep seeing Speculoos on blogs but have never tried it. Time for another trip to France I think :)
I do love popcorn and can just imagine this being so addictive. Then again, it’s low fat so I can eat bowls full and enjoy it!!
OMG – Speculoos spread?! What fresh temptation is this?? Love making my own popcorn and this version sounds glorious.
We have popcorn every Saturday evening, my daughter’s weekend treat….and I have a jar of Specaloos in the cupboard… So this Saturday it will be even better!
I must try to get some of the spread, the popcorn looks pretty amazing Helen!
I love Speculoos, I can’t wait to try this! :)
Apparently there is now a crunchy one.
Adore speculoos, one of theose ace accidentily vegan foods!
Very late in seeing this, only just discovered your website and never heard of the delicious sounding speculoos but it all sounds fab – I love popping corn and it always seems brilliant that it’s so exciting to my 5 yeard old yet frugal and healthy. Have to get my hands on some speculoos. Andrea
I wonder if I can get Speculoos online?
Waitrose now sell it! By the nutella and peanut butter. Its called Lotus Caramelised Spread.
Found the spread in Waitrose this week – apparently they’ve been stocking it for a while now!
My god, I can only say that on the way I bought it I devoured half the jar in front of the cupboard, just spooning it out. Now I’m trying to save it! :)
Well you can always get more Kate. I used to bring it back from France and ration it!