Sex & the City Popcorn by Elizabeth Brown, MS, RD
Movie Theater Popcorn Make-Over
Published on pg. 7 of the SMDP Newspaper Weekend Edition, June 14-15, 2008; click link for original article
I did not watch Sex and the City when it first aired although I knew about the hype of this show where Carrie (Sara Jessica Parker) wrote a column about her dating experiences and spent hundreds of dollars on each pair of shoes.
I started watching the show when I began my cross country move from a little resort beach town called Ocean City, Maryland to Berkeley, CA. I watched the show as a way to inspire me to follow a dream; a dream to develop and host a nutrition science based cooking show, a 20 year dream coming to fruition, or so I thought.
I thought Carrie and her friends would inspire me to be strong as I made this big move completely on my own. I got hooked and was soon able to answer the question, “Why all the hype?”
The draw is, and was, because each of these four women represents a part of every woman; the part of us who love to shop because pretty things make us feel pretty. They represent our aspects of strength, intelligence and independence; our innocent and our not so innocent sides. Yes, this cast of characters speaks to each of us.
So when I heard the movie was premiering during the visit of a fellow fan and east coast friend, well, I thought, the timing could not be more perfect. However, timing is everything. My friend was leaving Saturday morning and the movie premiered Friday evening. My friend wanted to go to Catalina on Friday and it would be a tight schedule to get back on time for the movie.
We did make it back on time. Unfortunately I left my energy on the boat that morning when I took a Dramamine to ward off sea sickness. Both of us left our stomachs at sea on the way back. The fast paced ride in choppy waters did nothing to soothe an already upset stomach. I could not even fathom sitting in a movie theater. Even my more sea faring friend was not feeling very “Sex in the City” ready upon our return. We mutually decided that Carrie and friends would have to be viewed on another day, in separate theaters, on opposite coasts.
When I go to the movies I usually take my own popcorn (shh, don’t tell the theater chains) inspired by a recipe I found while visiting a movie theater in a Montpelier, VT. This popped corn with its flavorful and nutrition packed ingredients is perfect for sneaking into theaters or enjoying during Sex and the City reruns in the comfort of your own home. In case you also make the trip to Catalina and find your stomach left at sea, I have included a Ginger soda recipe; sure to sooth all sensitive stomachs.
To make your own Sex & the City Popcorn, you can use a medium size sauce pot with a lid and simply shake the pot on the burner. OR for more consistent popcorn popping, try a Whirley Pop stovetop popcorn popper! Found on Amazon. My Sex & the City friend Robin Gayle, a fellow Dietitian, gave me my LOVELY red Whirley Pop which I invariably use every time I watch Sex & the City. Which is often because it almost always on E!
“Sex and the City” Popcorn
1/3 cup organic popcorn kernels
1 Tablespoons high heat canola oil
Fresh lemon for squeezing onto popcorn (OR organic butter, optional)
1/8 – 1/4 tsp sea salt I also love lots of freshly ground black pepper on my Popcorn
3 Tbsp Nutritional Yeast Flakes (I like KAL or NOW brands)
Add oil and popcorn kernels to a Whirley Pop or to a medium size sauce pot. Stir the pot to evenly distribute oil and kernels. Set on the burner on medium heat. Cover with a lid. Gentle shake the pot from side to side. If you’ve ever made Jiffy Pop popcorn, you’ll totally get what I mean. If you’re using a Whirely Pop, simple hold the wooden handle and turn the crank consistently.
Listen for ALL of the kernels to pop. To determine this, DO NOT remove lid and check. You will surely get kernels flying onto the floor. That would be a waste. Instead, just listen. When it has been more than 30 seconds since you’ve heard a “POP”, remove the pot from the burner and pour the contents into a big mixing bowl. Cut the lemon & squeeze over the kernels. If you don’t wish to use salt, the lemon makes a nice, similar flavor enhancer. Otherwise, sprinkle with sea salt and nutritional yeast flakes. Mix it up to coat evenly. Eat and enjoy! Keep a napkin on your lap and an extra one for hand wiping. This is not a “neat” snack but it sure is tasty!
Makes approx. 6 cups total, 350 calories, 11g fat, 45g carbs, 13g fiber, 18g protein
Because of the nutritional yeast, you get 50-450 percent of the DV (Daily Value) of every B vitamin, 100 percent of the DV for B12. Plus 10-50 percent of the DV for all minerals except Calcium.
“Left My Stomach at Sea” Lemon Mint Ginger Drink
1 inch piece of ginger, peeled and chopped
12 mint leaves, chopped
2 lemons, juiced & pulp, if you like
2 Tablespoons local honey
8 ice cubes
16 ounces sparkling water
1 lemon, sliced for garnishing
In a blender, add 1 cup water and the ginger root and blend thoroughly. Add another cup of fresh water, the lemon juice (and pulp) and 8 ice cubes; add the mint leaves and blend to chunky consistency, like a slushy. In a large pitcher add the ginger flavored water and the lemon and mint water. Add honey or similar sweetener. Add sparkling water and adjust sweetness as desired. Pour into chilled “real” glasses. Garnish with lemon slice placed on edge of glass. Bottoms Up!
Per 14 ounce serving, 83 calories, 23g carbohydrates, 48 percent of the DV for Vitamin C.
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