Garlic, Thyme & Parmesan Popcorn

Yesterday was a great day. 

My Dad was finally able to come home after spending approximately seven weeks recovering from a hip replacement.  We would go and visit him at the rehabilitation facility each week, but it was not the same as visiting at my childhood home where my parents still reside.  Though my parents are aging, I still think of them as young parents who can do anything.

They are extremely active from my Dad continuing to consult with his clients to my Mom’s vast volunteer activities to their monthly RV excursions in their thirty foot motor home that my Dad still commands the driver seat.  Oh and they tow a jeep wrangler in the back.  Though my Dad is now taking a respite from his busy life, I have no doubt that he will be back in action very soon.

Yesterday was a great day.  Yes I am saying it again. Smile.  My Dad was home.  It is a good thing. We ate dinner all together as family and all seemed to be getting back to normal again.  Just simply hanging out with my parents was a great day.  Popcorn was a staple in our household growing up.  From piling into the car to go to the drive in movies to simply having a bowl while watching television, it was something my Mother would always make.

Popcorn in our house was always white not yellow.  Always popped in a cast iron pan that my Dad owned prior to meeting my Mom and often drizzled with melted butter.  To assist with ensuring the butter touched every popped kernel, my Mom would dump into a double paper bag and then hit with the melted butter and salt.  With my parents on my mind, I thought I would whip up a batch of popcorn and add a gourmet spin.  I actually polished off a bowl while writing this post.  Delish!

Garlic, Thyme & Parmesan Popcorn

6 T. Salted Butter
4 to 6 Garlic Cloves, finely minced (About 2 tablespoons)
3 T. Canola or Vegetable Oil
1/2 C. White Popcorn Kernels
1/2 C. finely grated parmesan cheese

2 T. Fresh Thyme Leaves, rough chop
Sea salt to taste

In a sauce pan, melt the butter then add the minced garlic and 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme leaves

You’ll need a large heavy-bottomed pot with lid. Heat oil over medium heat with 2 or 3 popcorn kernels. Once the kernels begin to pop, cover with a lid.  Shake periodically so the kernels do not burn.  Once you stop hearing popping, take off the heat.  Add to a large brown paper bag.  Best to double the paper bags to allow for the oil to absorb and not come through.

Drizzle the garlic and thyme butter over all of the popcorn once in the brown bag and shake well.  Next add the parmesan cheese and shake well.  Taste and then add salt and shake well, until it reaches the desired taste levels you are looking for.  Next add one tablespoon of fresh thyme leaves. With the salted butter and parmesan cheese, you may not need to add too much salt.