The good news about popcorn is that it's good for you. Popcorn contains protein and vitamin B1. Plain popcorn that is hot air popped has only 25 calories a cup. If you like your popcorn with a topping, don't worry. Here are 3 fast, easy and low calorie salt-and-spice seasonings that will give your popcorn that punch, without the added calories.
Onion Dill Salt
1/2 cup coarse salt
2 teaspoons dried onion flakes
2 teaspoons dried dillweed
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Herbed Salt
1/4 cup coarse salt
1 teaspoon dried basil leaves
1/2 teaspoon dried tarragon
1/2 teaspoon dried chives
1/4 teaspoon oregano leaves
Sesame Salt
2 tablespoons coarse salt
1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
Depending on which salt you want to make, process the appropriate ingredients in a blender on high speed until mixture is very fine in texture, about 30 to 45 seconds. Store in a salt shaker and enjoy often!!
*****************************************************************************************************************
Fruit Salsa
2 pounds fresh diced pineapple
1 papaya, diced into 1/2 inch cubes
1 mago diced into 1/2 inch cubes
1 red onion, diced
6 tablespoons orange juice
1 teaspoon Jamaican jerk spice blend
In large bowl, combine fresh diced pineapple, diced papaya, diced mango, diced red onion, orange juice and jerk spice blend. Cover and refrigerate up to six hours. Serve with toasted pita wedges.
Yields 8 servings
*****************************************************************************************************************
30 Minute Chili
For those cool nights we have been having lately when you need something hearty to warm you, but don't have hours to cook.
1 pound ground chuck
1 large onion, chopped
1 medium green pepper, chopped
12 ounces canned kidney beans
1 16 ounce can tomato sauce
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon chili powder, or to taste
hot pepper sauce to taste
2 tablespoons butter
Melt the butter and slowly cook the onions and green pepper for about 10 minutes, being careful not to burn them. Add the ground beef and cook for about 10 minutes. Add all the other ingredients and let simmer for 30 minutes.
Garnish with shredded cheese, sour cream or chopped onions.
Yields 6 servings
