Sunflower Butter Popcorn Recipes

THEATER-STYLE BUTTERED POPCORN

Steps:

• Movie theaters use butter-flavored oil, which has a lower water content than butter so it makes popcorn less soggy. Real clarified butter has the same effect. To make it, melt 2 sticks butter in a glass measuring cup in the microwave. Let sit for a few minutes; the butter will separate into 3 layers. Skim off the top layer of foam, then slowly pour the clarified butter into a heatproof container; discard the bottom layer of milk solids. Use 3 tablespoons hot clarified butter for 10 cups popcorn; refrigerate the rest (it's great for sauteeing).

SUNFLOWER BUTTER POPCORN

Steps:

• Have a clean paper shopping bag or oversize mixing bowl ready.
• Heat a 4-quart heavy pan over medium heat and film the bottom with oil. When the oil is hot but not smoking, add the popcorn, shake to distribute, then put a lid on the pan, leaving a small crack for steam to escape. When the first kernel pops, put the lid on all the way. As the popcorn starts popping, shake vigorously to make sure the kernels are distributed evenly. When the popping slows to a few seconds between pops, take the pan off the heat.
• Pour the popcorn into the paper bag or bowl to cool, and attempt to leave any unpopped kernels behind in the pan as they can be dangerous to your teeth.
• Mix the honey and maple sugar in a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Let it simmer for about 2 minutes, then remove from the heat and add the sunflower butter. Stir vigorously until all the sunflower butter is melted, then mix in the vanilla.
• Immediately pour the sunflower butter caramel over the popcorn and stir with a wooden spoon until it's all coated. Let cool for at least 10 minutes before serving.

HOMEMADE SUNFLOWER BUTTER

Steps:

• Pour sunflower seeds into the container of a high-powered blender, such as a Vitamix®, and secure lid.
• Select Variable 1. Slowly increase speed to Variable 10, then switch from Variable to High. Use the tamper to push sunflower seeds into the blades, and mix until sunflower seed butter develops an oily sheen. Season with salt. Store in an airtight container.