Horseradish Popcorn

The holiday season is officially upon us, which means that the internet will now have a plethora of recipes ranging from grand entertaining ideas to simple party snacks.  I look forward to this time of year for all of the obvious reasons, but also because I love culling through all of those offerings, hoping to find my new favorite thing.  I am never disappointed.  Every year someone has either come up with a new twist on an old favorite, or sprung a completely new idea upon us.  And, sometimes inspiration comes from the simplest thing.  That's where today's recipe came from.

I was hanging out on Facebook earlier today, and saw a post by a friend of mine that mentioned horseradish popcorn.  I was immediately intrigued, as my son and I, both, love horseradish.  After a couple of questions, I found it was incredibly simple.  Of course, it quickly became an obsession with me, and I had to try it as soon as possible.  But first, I had to make sure I had popcorn since it's been a long time since I used my airpopper.  Then, it was cleaning up my very dusty popcorn maker.  After that, it was a piece of cake, and I had a very tasty and addicting snack!  Thanks, Rob, for the idea - it was one that had never come to me before!  I'm so glad you shared!

Here's your Cast of Characters.

1/2 Cup popcorn kernels
1 Teaspoon popcorn salt
1-2 Teaspoons crushed peppercorns (I used 2 because I love pepper!)
3 Tablespoons prepared horseradish
Airpopper (If you don't have one, never fear, you can make it in your microwave in a brown paper bag.  Here's a link:  Microwave Popcorn Using Brown Paper Bag )

Pop 1/2 cup popcorn.

When it's done popping, add salt, pepper and horseradish.  Put Press and Seal tightly over the bowl and shake well.  (You can also use a brown paper bag to mix it up.  Just roll the bag down a little and shake away.)

Here's what you're going to have - a pungent, spicy, peppery snack that is pretty guiltless.

See the little splotches of horseradish?  Awesome!

Enjoy!

*Note:  If you want to make this as a party snack, and I would definitely come to a party serving this, you should serve it right away.  It is going to be a little wet from the horseradish, just like it would be if you added freshly melted butter to the popcorn, so it will become soggy over time.  One option is to use dry horseradish powder instead.  You can find it in some stores, or order it online.  Here's one online site that has great spices for wonderful prices:  http://www.penzeys.com/cgi-bin/penzeys/p-penzeyshorseradishpowder.html