Who said Leap Day Popcorn?

I did!  ~~ I say Leap Day Popcorn!

And who doesn't luv fresh, hot popcorn? But, who likes stale, overpriced, salty, dripping in fake butter popcorn like you get at the movie theaters? Who likes a little spice or kick in his/her life? What goes good with popcorn? Soda, milk, beer, rum, water, sparkling water, a friend?

So, today is Leap Day, the 29th of February that only happens every four years. Big deal, huh? Well, it is a big deal if you treat today as an extra, free day in your life and do something just for you (two). How about putting on a good movie and having some fresh hot popcorn tonight? How about trying this special blend of popcorn seasoning that I think is fantastic and will add a spicy flavor, a little kick, and no butter to your life.

We discovered this little gem in the Elote Cafe Cookbook and it instantly became a favorite of ours, including Kona Kai, who, by the way, is a popcorn connoisseur! The Elote Cafe is a restaurant we discovered in Sedona, Arizona while we were at the Enchantment Resort celebrating my birthday this past December. That, I must say, is a whole other experience that is a must for any bucket list. A MUST! WOW!

Okay, back on track now...

Now how does this look?

Yup...yummy, huh?

Here's the recipe straight from their cookbook:

• 1/2 cup kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground chipolte chile
• 1 tablespoon ground ancho chile

Mix it all together and sprinkle it on top of your piping hot popcorn. Keep and store it in an airtight container (like the one in the photo) so you'll always have some ready. We don't put butter on the popcorn, but that is purely your choice. Also, change up the recipe a bit to your liking and, please, pass along any changes that you like in the comments section below.

We think that overall, the amount of salt needs to be reduced a bit and the others upped a bit to get more of a kick and less sodium. Once we play with it and get out perfect mix, I'll post it.

So, here's a thought to ponder on this holiday. We just had the Oscars handed out at the Academy Awards and Redbox is full of the winners' movies. Here they are right here. Why not take the night off, get a movie, make some popcorn, and snuggle up with someone special and enjoy your free, extra day this year. Just don't choke on a kernel. That would suck and really ruin this free holiday. :)

Oh, and by the way, rum & coke goes great with popcorn...even in the theater ;)

Mahalo for cooking with Captain Bobby Mitchel


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