This Sweet Chilli Popcorn is a real, grown up treat. Watch out though, it’s utterly addictive!
Two nights every August, Plymouth hosts the British Firework Championships. Tens of thousands of people flock into the city to watch six of the best firework manufacturers compete and show off their latest whizz bangs & fancy rigs.
It’s a crazy atmosphere, with the crowds going made for the most decadent firework displays you could ever imagine.
This year we’re planning to watch it from the Cornish side of the river Tamar, at Mount Edgcumbe, which is a little more sedate. A large country estate with beautiful walks and free parking, people snuggle up on picnic blankets with picnics and bottles of wine.
If you’re ever in the south west around this time of year it’s well worth turning up for the event.
For our picnic this year we’re taking hot chocolate and popcorn! A plain sugary sweet for the kids and this Sweet Chilli Popcorn is the adult version. It’s utterly scrummy.
- 1 tablespoon oil
- Popping corn
- 1 teaspoon butter
- 2 tablepoons sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon hot chilli powder
- Heat a tablespoon of oil in a heavy bottomed sauce pan with a tight fitting lid.
- Pour in some popping corn, how much all depends on how big your saucepan is. You don't need many kernels to get a pan full so err on the side of caution. You can always cook a second batch if it's not enough.
- Whilst the corn is popping, mix the sugar, salt and chilli together in a small bowl.
- Keep shaking the pan from side to side (lid firmly still on!) until the popping noises become less frequent.
- Take off the heat, add the knob of butter and mix round quickly to coat as much popcorn as possible. Next, sprinkle the sweet chilli mix over generously and it'll stick to the melted butter and popcorn. Let cool before storing in an air tight tub.
Dom says
oooh, it’s clearly popcorn week!… loving the sweet chilli, never had that before on a popcorn… I would drizzle with chocolate too!
Jane Sarchet says
Ooh, you would?!
…Janie dashes off to dig out her bain marie… ;)
Janice says
Lovely idea. I’m not a huge fan of fireworks but from the other side of the river I could enjoy them without worrying about one dropping on me!
Jane Sarchet says
:)
Heidi Roberts says
Pop corn is a food group and should be eaten every day! Well it is healthy!
Karen says
YUP! That will be MY meal for the picnic then Janie! And please do add it to Tea Time Treats this month, if only so I get to share that fabulous picnic basket in the round-up! Karen
Jane Sarchet says
Of course! I’ve got a big long list of things to add to this months party – you’ve just reminded me to get over there & do it!
Janie x
Choclette says
Can’t believe we got this so wrong. We were lined up to go watch tonight, only to find it was yesterday – boo! Haven’t made popcorn in ages. Must get on to it – your version and Dom’s ;-)
Jane Sarchet says
Oh no! Sorry you missed it :(
Janie x
Kate - gluten free alchemist says
Sweet chilli popcorn? Sounds like the perfect snack for fireworks. I had no idea there was such a thing as a firework competition….. How cool is that? Must be pretty spectacular.
Jane Sarchet says
It is AMAZING Kate! I dread to think how many thousands of pounds in fireworks they fire, but it is an incredible event.
Janie x