School is in session and after school snacks are a necessity to keep the kids at Mercy Home for Boys & Girls re-energized and alert.

In this 3-part series of “Noshing with Nyah,” so-worker Nyah creates after school snacks perfect for munching while doing homework! In this second video, she makes Parmesan Popcorn. It’s easy to make and even easier to eat!

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Parmesan Popcorn

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp butter
• 1/3 cup popcorn kernels (high quality)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tsp paprika
• 3 tsp parmesan

Directions

• Heat butter in 3-quart thick-bottomed saucepan on medium high heat.
• Put 3 or 4 popcorn kernels into the oil. Wait for the popcorn kernels to pop.
• When the kernels pop, add the rest of the 1/3 cup of popcorn kernels in an even layer.
• Cover the pot, remove from heat and count 30 seconds. (Count out loud! It’s fun to do with the kids.) This method first heats the butter to the right temperature, then waiting 30 seconds brings all of the other kernels to a near-popping temperature so that when they are put back on the heat, they all pop at about the same time.
• Return the pan to the heat. The popcorn should begin popping soon, and all at once.
• Once the popping starts, gently shake the pan by moving it back and forth over the burner. Tip: As the popcorn pops, try to keep the slid slightly ajar to let the steam from the popcorn release (the popcorn will be drier and crisper.)
• Once the popping slows to several seconds between pops, remove the pan from the heat, remove the lid, and dump the popcorn immediately into a wide bowl.
• Sprinkle the popcorn with salt to taste.
• Season with parm and paprika.

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Thanks to our Manager of Food Service Operations Nyah Griffin, who is also a former resident of Mercy Home, for these delicious recipes and for always making sure our kids have nutritious meals!