Make Your Own Popcorn Seasoning Blend

If your kitchen cupboards are anything like mine, there is a good chance it's stocked with dried herbs and spices you don't use as often as you might like to. However, if I were to ask you if your family eats popcorn there is a likely chance the answer is yes. Most people season their popcorn with butter and salt or eat it plain. Instead, consider using the spices in your kitchen as a creative way to flavor popcorn. 

Together with your children, try experimenting with different spice combinations. This encourages your children to learn about how herbs and spices can be used to enhance the flavor of food. Popcorn is a great neutral food to absorb the seasonings. The most common binder for popcorn is butter. However, grape seed oil is a fantastic, and healthier, alternative to butter. A couple of my favorite combinations are cinnamon and sugar, garlic salt and kosher salt, smoked paprika, black pepper and salt, and dill and thyme.  Popular spices you can experiment with are curry, Italian seasonings, parsley, garlic salt, garlic powder, dill, paprika, smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, coriander, dill, thyme, black pepper, sugar, and cinnamon. With the exception of garlic salt, a little bit of table or kosher salt can be added to any spice blend to enhance the overall flavor.