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It’s New Year’s Eve, and we’re keeping it simple.  This month has been a blur – a real emotional doozy!  And as far as I’m concerned – it’s out with the old (oh – the door is hitting you on the butt 2012 – oh well, good riddance) and in with the new.  Welcome beautiful 2013!

My new year resolution is to keep it simple and keep it focused.  To remember to listen to my heart, play to my strengths, and stick with what works.  I’m convinced that the simplest of things can provide the greatest returns.  And my best, and simplest tip for New Year’s Eve – especially when it comes to successful nibbles – is popcorn!  Yup.  Homemade popcorn of course.

Homemade popcorn is such an unassuming treat.  It has become the perfect starter munchie at any dinner party we throw – always a big hit for friends and family of all ages.  All I can say is that this understated nibble is so comforting and satisfying – and completely unexpected – especially when we serve it in an over-scaled decorative bowl.  And the funny thing is that that bowl always ends up being the serving piece that is picked clean!

Surprisingly it pairs beautifully with all libations, especially, and again unexpectedly, with a glass of really good bubbly.

You’ve got to try our homemade popcorn – a tried and true ice breaker – fun, nostalgic, and delicious.  Quite simply, a freshly popped bowl on our kitchen island is where the party begins.

 

Connecticut Country House Homemade Popcorn

(Yields one big bowl of popcorn.)

1 cup popping corn

1 stick of butter (we use unsalted butter)

2 tablespoons olive oil

fine table salt (salt to taste)

In a small saucepan, melt the stick of butter and set aside.  Using a large soup pot, turn the burner up to high, and heat pot well.  Add the olive oil, and when it starts to lightly smoke – add the corn. Close up pot with its lid and with oven mits on hands, start moving pot continuously back and forth over burner still on high.  The motion of the pot encourages popping and discourages burning.  When it begins to rapidly pop (about 30 seconds after the first sound of popping), turn burner down to medium.  When the popping starts to slow down, turn off burner.  It will continue to pop a little more off the heat.

Now, part of the secret to this popcorn is the multi-layer approach to dressing it.  First fill 1/3 bowl with popcorn, spoon some butter over this, and sprinkle with salt.  Repeat this 2 more times until all popcorn and butter is added.

Next to the big bowl of popcorn, I like to add a stack of small bowls or teacups – so everyone can scoop for themselves.  Enjoy!

 

“There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind.” –  C.S. Lewis (1898-1963)

Thanks so much for following my blog, and wishing you a peaceful, beautiful, and fulfilling new year.  See you next year!

Love, Nora

 

 

 

 

 

 

6 Comments

  1. DoloresRecord- Romack on December 31, 2012 at 10:05 pm

    Thank you Nora, for the renewal of old traditions that are lost to many but you have put them back into our lives via your blog.
    Wishing you peace, good health and warm moments by the fire,
    Sincerely,
    Dee R. Romack
    Irish Lane
    Cambridge, NY
    p.s. love popcorn done on the stove…Yeah !!!

  2. Carolyn on December 31, 2012 at 10:40 pm

    If bubbly is not your drink, but popcorn is your craving, try it with a tall glass of orange juice – another surprisingly great combo!
    Happy New Year Nora and Family!
    Love,
    Carolyn

  3. Deb on December 31, 2012 at 10:54 pm

    & to you Nora, lets all move forward ..

  4. Sally on December 31, 2012 at 10:56 pm

    My dear Nora,
    . Popcorn has always been my go-to snack. I like it air-popped, sprayed on olive oil and salted, or Tony Chachere’s spice mix. It’s truly a comfort food.
    It’s been a year, hasn’t it? Humans are resilient. We all move forward, just a little more somber at the moment. Your blog gave us all insight into how a compassionate Newtonian viewed the explosion of horror that took over the nation’s conversation.
    Sending lots of love for a better year. xoxo

  5. Jaime Costiglio on January 1, 2013 at 1:50 pm

    Nora what a wonderful New Year’s treat. Thank you for the popcorn recipe as I’ve never done it in a pot before and my kids will think it’s too fun. All the best for 2013.

  6. tj on January 1, 2013 at 6:23 pm

    …Oh my, I love popcorn! I also love caramel popcorn & popcorn balls too. I do adore the old bowl that is holding popcorn in one of your lovely photos as well. :o)

    …Yes indeed, 2012 was a most horrible year and it seems to resonate that way for everyone. I am so glad to see it go and see another new year here. I try not to put too much emphasis on the arrival of a new year but I always hold out hope that better times are upon us and set myself a few goals as well. No resolutions, thank you. ;o)

    …Here to wish you & yours a very Happy New Year filled with love, laughter, strength, prosperity & good health!

    …God bless.

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