Spicy Mocha Popcorn

Sometimes it's fun to shake up the plain old butter-and-salt. We've found this combination to be deep, sweet and spicy all at once.

In addition to your popcorn, you need (left to right):

• sugar
• cayenne pepper
• cocoa powder
• instant espresso
• salt

A little goes a long way. You can tweak your proportions, but here's a start:

• 1 tsp instant espresso powder
• 1 tsp cocoa powder
• 1-2 tsp sugar
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/-8-1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

If you want the pepper to just peak through, use 2 tsp sugar and 1/8 tsp cayenne. If you want it hotter, use 1 tsp sugar and 1/4 tsp or more of cayenne—but add in small increments, unless you have a very high tolerance for heat.

Whisk it together. You should end up with about 1-1/2 Tbs. powder.

Sprinkle this over your popped popcorn, toss and enjoy.

Note: I make popcorn with oil on the stove. If you use a hot air popper, you may consider drizzling oil or butter over the popcorn before adding the powder. Ditto with oil-free microwave popcorn.