Hearts Are A-Poppin':

All of my friends are still on New Year's Resolution diets, so I am not going to tempt them with my usual ooey-gooey Valentine's Day treats. Instead, I'm going to bag up some homemade popcorn. This is a great substitute for the usual microwave stuff, and although it has "some" butter in it, it is still way-better for you than the prepackaged kind... and it tastes way-better too!

Lemon-Rosemary Buttered Popcorn

1 cup popcorn kernels (I use Orville Redenbacher's White Corn Gourmet Popping Corn)
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons finely chopped rosemary leaves
2 teaspoons salt
Freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons grated lemon zest

Heat the popcorn and oil in a 1-gallon, heavy bottomed pot over medium-high heat. When the popcorn starts to pop, cover the pot tightly and continue to cook until all the popcorn pops, about 2 to 3 minutes, shaking the pot occasionally. Pour the popcorn into a large bowl.

In a medium saute pan over medium-high heat, melt the butter and cook until it is brown, shaking the pan occasionally. Remove the pan from the heat. Add the rosemary to the butter and pour the butter mixture over the popcorn. Toss well. Add the salt and pepper and lemon zest. Toss well.

SIDE NOTE: Have you heard about adding Brewer's Yeast to your popcorn? Brewers Yeast (not to be confused with baking yeast) is an excellent source of B vitamins, protein and minerals. While it doesn't taste good on it's own, it's quite delicious mixed with melted butter and poured over popcorn! It will take on an almost cheesy flavor. I think you'll be surprised!
:: Melt 1 stick butter and 2 tablespoons EVOO, then add 3 rounded tablespoons of Brewer's Yeast and pour over 3 cups popcorn kernels that have been popped. Finish up with salt and pepper or your favorite seasoning.