When it comes to afterschool snacks, it’s important to remember that they can appeal to more than just the kids.
By making a few simple and sophisticated adjustments to classic treats like popcorn and peanut butter cookies, you can create snacks that everyone will enjoy.
While peanut butter cookies are undeniably tasty, they can sometimes be one-dimensional and overly sweet.
In our quest for a more balanced flavor profile, we drew inspiration from the immensely popular peanut butter cookies found at Falco Bakery in Melbourne, Australia.
What sets their cookies apart is the addition of brown rice miso, which not only counteracts the sweetness but also enhances the nutty undertones.
In our adaptation, we opted for white miso as it is more readily available and adds an intriguing depth that makes the cookies taste rich and complex.
To further elevate the experience, a sprinkle of turbinado or raw sugar provides a delightful crunch to the chewy texture, resulting in a savory yet perfectly balanced treat.
When considering the sodium content in miso, it is important to acknowledge the significant variations that exist among different brands.
To ensure a balanced intake, it is advisable to opt for a miso brand that contains approximately 300 milligrams of sodium per 12 grams of miso, a measurement that can be easily determined by consulting the nutrition facts displayed on the product’s label.
Moreover, it is crucial to exercise caution when selecting peanut butter for cookie recipes, as the disparities in fat and sugar content from brand to brand can have a profound impact on the final texture and flavor of the cookies.
In this regard, it is recommended to avoid the usage of natural peanut butter and instead opt for regular chunky or crunchy peanut butters, such as renowned brands like Skippy or Jif, which have proven to yield the best results in terms of taste and consistency.
In the realm of snacks, there exists a delightful transformation of simple buttered popcorn that is achieved through the application of a common South Asian technique.
This technique, known as tarka, serves as a catalyst to elevate the flavor profile of the popcorn, all within the same timeframe it takes for the kernels to undergo their magical transformation into fluffy, edible morsels.
The essence of tarka lies in the art of blooming a harmonious blend of herbs and spices in hot fat, resulting in a tantalizing infusion that bestows upon the popcorn a bold and invigorating taste, as well as an enticing texture.
While traditionally employed to enhance the culinary experience of sautéed greens, lentil stews, and steamed vegetables, tarka’s versatility extends to the realm of popcorn, unveiling a world of possibilities for snack enthusiasts seeking a novel and flavorsome treat.
In addition to its versatility as a seasoning, this particular blend of cumin and curry is an ideal accompaniment to popcorn.
The combination of these two spices creates a bold and savory flavor profile that is sure to satisfy even the most discerning taste buds.
Whether you are enjoying a movie night with friends or simply looking for a delicious snack to indulge in, this cumin and curry popcorn recipe is the perfect choice.
However, if you or your little ones prefer a mixture of sweet and spicy flavors, there is an alternative option available.
The spicy-sweet tarka popcorn provides a delightful combination of sugar and spice that is sure to please. It is important to note, however, that for children who are not fond of spicy foods, it may be necessary to reduce or eliminate the cayenne pepper from the recipe.
By making this adjustment, you can ensure that everyone can enjoy this delectable treat without any discomfort.
In order to produce the designated quantity of popcorn as specified in these recipes, it is possible to achieve this without the need for any specialized equipment.
The process begins by taking a large saucepan and combining ⅓ cup of popcorn kernels with 1 tablespoon of neutral oil.
Once these ingredients have been thoroughly mixed, the saucepan should be covered and heated over a medium-high heat setting. It is important to closely monitor the pan as the kernels begin to pop, at which point the heat should be reduced to a medium setting.
During this stage, it is advisable to intermittently shake the pan to ensure even cooking. The popping process should continue until the popping slows down to an interval of approximately 3 to 4 seconds between each burst.
By following these steps, one can successfully create the desired amount of popcorn without requiring any specialized equipment.
Spiced Butter Popcorn
In a mere 10 minutes, you can whip up a delectable batch of popcorn that will yield approximately 6 cups of pure bliss.
To embark on this culinary journey, you will need 6 to 7 cups of popped popcorn, which can be easily achieved (refer to note for guidance). In a small saucepan, gently heat 3 tablespoons of salted butter over medium-high heat until it reaches a state of near-melting perfection.
At this point, it is time to introduce the flavorful ensemble of spices: 1½ teaspoons of ground cumin, 1 teaspoon of curry powder, 1 teaspoon of ground fennel seeds, 1 teaspoon of white sugar, and ¼ to ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper.
Allow these aromatic ingredients to mingle with the butter, swirling them together until a fragrant symphony fills the air, a process that should take around 30 to 45 seconds.
Without wasting a moment, pour this tantalizing concoction over the waiting popcorn in a large bowl, ensuring that every kernel is coated in this heavenly blend.
To further enhance the taste, sprinkle 1½ teaspoons of kosher salt over the popcorn and give it a good toss. The final step is perhaps the most crucial one: taste the popcorn and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, should you find it necessary.
And there you have it, a scrumptious treat that is both effortlessly prepared and bursting with flavor.
For Spicy-Sweet Popcorn
In order to prepare a delectable and flavorful snack, begin by placing approximately 6 to 7 cups of freshly popped popcorn into a generously-sized bowl.
Next, take a small saucepan and set it over medium-high heat, allowing it to warm up. Once the saucepan is adequately heated, add 3 tablespoons of butter, ensuring it is almost fully melted.
Following this, incorporate 2 teaspoons of packed light brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of ground cardamom, ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper into the mixture.
Continuously swirl the ingredients in the saucepan, allowing them to meld together and release their enticing aromas. This process should take approximately 30 to 45 seconds, during which time the butter will become delightfully foamy.
Promptly pour the resulting concoction over the popcorn, ensuring that it is evenly distributed throughout.
To further enhance the taste, sprinkle 1 teaspoon of kosher salt onto the popcorn, and proceed to toss it gently, ensuring that each piece is coated with the delectable seasonings.
Finally, take a moment to taste the popcorn, and if necessary, adjust the seasoning by adding additional salt to suit your personal preferences.
Peanut Butter–Miso Cookies
This recipe for peanut butter miso cookies is a delightful treat that can be prepared in just 50 minutes, not including the time needed for chilling and cooling.
With a formal tone and detailed instructions, this paragraph provides all the necessary information to make approximately 1½ dozen cookies. To start, gather 252 grams (1¾ cups plus 3 tablespoons) of all-purpose flour and combine it with 1 teaspoon each of baking powder and baking soda.
In a separate bowl, cream together 8 tablespoons (1 stick) of room temperature salted butter, 199 grams (1 cup) of packed dark brown sugar, and 122 grams (½ cup plus 1 tablespoon) of white sugar.
Add in 88 grams (¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons) of chunky peanut butter (make sure it is at room temperature) and 75 grams (¼ cup) of white miso.
For a unique twist, incorporate 2 teaspoons of either toasted sesame oil or roasted peanut oil. Then, add in 1 large egg and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract.
Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a smooth dough forms. Finally, roll the dough into small balls, coat them in 62 grams (⅓ cup) of turbinado sugar, and place them on a baking sheet.
Bake the cookies in a preheated oven at the specified temperature until they are golden brown and slightly firm to the touch. Allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack before enjoying their delectable flavors.
In the process of preparing a delectable treat, it is imperative to follow a meticulous procedure. Begin by whisking together the flour, baking powder, and baking soda in a medium-sized bowl.
Next, employing a stand mixer equipped with the paddle attachment, beat the butter, brown sugar, and white sugar on medium-high speed until a well-combined mixture is achieved, which typically takes approximately three minutes.
Subsequently, incorporate the peanut butter, miso, and oil into the mixture, ensuring to beat the ingredients thoroughly and scrape the bowl intermittently.
This process should result in a light and fluffy consistency, which usually takes around two minutes. To further enhance the flavor profile, add the egg and vanilla, incorporating them into the mixture through a beating motion, followed by scraping the bowl to ensure an even distribution of ingredients.
Now, with the mixer set to a low speed, gradually introduce the previously prepared flour mixture. It is crucial to mix the ingredients for approximately one to two minutes, ensuring that the dough is evenly moistened.
To eliminate any lingering pockets of flour, it is recommended to utilize a spatula and manually mix the dough. It is important to note that the dough will possess a very soft consistency at this stage.
To facilitate the optimal development of flavors, cover the dough’s surface with a sheet of plastic wrap, pressing it firmly against the dough.
Subsequently, place the dough in the refrigerator for a minimum of two hours, allowing it to chill and solidify. Alternatively, the dough can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours, enabling a lengthier infusion of flavors.
By adhering to this meticulous process, one can ensure the creation of a delectable treat that is sure to tantalize the taste buds.
To begin the baking process, it is recommended to preheat the oven to 350°F, ensuring that the rack is positioned in the middle. In order to prevent the cookies from sticking, it is advisable to line two baking sheets with kitchen parchment.
Taking a small bowl, the turbinado sugar should be placed within it. The dough should then be divided into 18 equal portions, with each portion being approximately 3 tablespoons in size.
These portions should be rolled into balls measuring around 1½ inches in diameter. To add a delightful touch, each ball should be dipped into the turbinado sugar, ensuring that one side is completely coated.
The sugared side should then be placed facing upwards on the prepared baking sheet, with nine cookies per sheet. The first sheet should be baked for a duration of 10 minutes.
Upon reaching the 10-minute mark, the baking sheet should be carefully removed from the oven and firmly tapped twice against the counter.
This action serves to deflate the cookies slightly, resulting in a desirable texture. The baking process should then continue for an additional 5 to 7 minutes, or until the cookies have developed a fissured appearance and have turned golden at the edges.
Once this stage is complete, it is important to allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a period of 10 minutes, utilizing a wire rack for optimal air circulation.
After this initial cooling period, a metal spatula can be used to transfer the cookies from the baking sheet to the cooling rack, where they should be left to cool completely.
In the meantime, the process should be repeated with the second batch of cookies, ensuring that each batch receives the same care and attention.