As Thanksgiving approaches, I’m trying to finalize my menu and get everything ready so I know what to make ahead of time and what has be done the day of.
I love to plan things, but I’m not the best at executing them. I’ll spend days looking over different recipes online trying to find the perfect one that fits well with everything else that is being made. Usually I save a few and go back and forth between them before I throw in the red flag and give up on it all.
As I am cooking Thanksgiving dinner this year, I am determined to not give up! I have all my recipes planned out and I won’t let myself change them up last minute… although I did just find a mashed potato recipe that looked better than the one I chose…
I’ve got plenty of delicious looking sides and my mom is graciously going to help me with the whole turkey situation as that is foreign territory to me.
For dessert, my family always loves a classic apple pie, so I will gladly make that (and eat it too)! But, after talking to Rose, who is baking 2 desserts for 3 people (I’m cooking for 5) I’m suddenly worried I won’t have enough desserts for everyone to enjoy. I mean, you always want leftover desserts to go with your leftover turkey/stuffing/mashed potatoes, right?
Rose and I have the perfect extra recipe that can be added last minute to anyone’s Thanksgiving menu and is guaranteed to go with everything. What is you ask? Well, popcorn is involved… and apple cider.. yep, we made an apple cider popcorn! It is crunchy and sweet and full flavor, perfect for a pre-dinner appetizer or an after dinner sweet treat.
Apple Cider Popcorn (serves 2)
Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup popcorn kernels
- 1/2 to 2/3 cup apple cider
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon maple sugar (or brown sugar or coconut sugar)
- Salt to taste
Directions:
- Pop the popcorn kernels on the stovetop or in an air popper (if you need directions, look at this post) and lay out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- In a small saucepan on medium heat, reduce apple cider until it is thicker and looks about 2 tablespoons, stirring occasionally. This should take around 7 to 10 minutes.
- Once reduced, add coconut oil and turn the heat to low, stirring frequently.
- Add in the maple sugar and simmer for another 2-3 minutes until frothy, stirring frequently.
- Drizzle over popped popcorn and sprinkle with salt and sugar to taste.
- Enjoy! Store any leftovers in an airtight container.
There you have it! A, what I would call, perfect addition to any Thanksgiving feast! It is quick and easy to make and can be made ahead of time as to not add to the Thanksgiving cooking stress, although I can’t guarantee that you won’t be tempted to eat it all before Thanksgiving. Happy Thanksgiving!
Thanks to Tatertots & Jello for hosting!
