Wine and Popcorn

Want to add some irreverence to your wine tastings or dinner parties whilst still serving something interesting?  Why not try popcorn!   Not the sweet or salty mixes you get at the cinema but more interesting mixes that you can make yourself.  Here is just one suggestion to make a great aperitif snack.

As an aperitif before a Moroccan Tajine or as a food pairing for a German Riesling, why not try Moroccan popcorn.  All you need is some popcorn, olive oil, ras-al-hanout, lemon zest and salt.  Follow the instructions on the packet of popcorn about how to pop it; some are popped in the microwave and some in a pan with a lid.  Then add some melted butter or loive oil and toss.  Once completed add your flavourings to taste.  I added some good quality ras-al-hanout spice blend and grated some lemon zest and then some sea salt onto the popcorn.  Taste and balance the flavours by adding more of some if necessary.  Serve with a nice cold German Riesling such as the Markus Molitor pictured sold by Fromvineyardsdirect that I can highly recommend. It is really surprisingly good.

For other popcorn ideas search the web or, as I did, make up your own idea. Salt, pepper and Parmesan is just one of many other good combinations.