Cue the Popcorn!
![Popcorn](http://food.fnr.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/food/fullset/2008/12/23/0/FNmag_Movie-Theater-Style_s4x3.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.suffix/1675698565542.jpeg)
Sure, you can make fancy-schmancy Mark Zucker-burgers, "True Cheese Grits" and White and Black Swan Pasta all day long, but really, what are the Oscars without popcorn? Skip the bagged stuff -- making your own is tastier and simpler.
You don't really need any special equipment to pop popcorn -- just a large pot with a lid and a bag of popcorn (not the microwave kind, just the plain kernels.) Pour a few tablespoons of neutral oil in the pot, then throw in a few kernels and cover. When the first kernels start to pop, add the rest of the popcorn -- a cup of dry popcorn will make enough for a crowd. Cover the pot and shake occasionally, and remove from the heat when there are more than 3 seconds between pops.
At this point, your popcorn would be delicious tossed with a little salt, but why stop there? Mix and match these flavorings to add pizazz to your popcorn:
![Parmesan Popcorn](http://food.fnr.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/food/fullset/2008/11/25/0/Parmesan-Popcorn_s4x3.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.suffix/1371587672422.jpeg)
- Salt and pepper
- Grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese
- Grated lemon or lime zest
- Flavored gourmet salts (Bacon and black truffle salt, anyone?)
- Chipotle powder
- Smoked paprika
- French or Italian dry spice blend
- Nutritional yeast (adds a cheese-like flavor)
- Cajun seasoning (or really, any seasoning blend)
- Cinnamon and sugar
The Oscars are all about glitz, so go ahead, give your popcorn a little something extra. These recipes just might win you "Best Supporting Snack."
Sugar, paprika, cinnamon and a hefty amount of butter bring Nigella's snack up to party standards.
The butter at the theater is more special effect than real food. Pop your popcorn in the real thing -- clarified butter -- and taste the difference.
![Caramel Corn](http://food.fnr.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/food/fullset/2006/10/13/0/em0619_corn1.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.suffix/1483736685009.jpeg)
This sweet take is a classic for a reason -- who could resist crispy-coated, sweet popcorn tossed with peanuts, walnuts and pecans? Emeril gives his a little kick with some cayenne pepper.
Top your popcorn with a winning combo of nutty browned butter, chocolate shavings and orange zest.
Toss popcorn with rosemary-infused oil (or basil-studded olive oil) before and after you pop.
![2039_FoodNet_BaconPop_00011.tif Kevin Bacon Popcorn](http://food.fnr.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/food/fullset/2008/12/23/0/FNmag_Kevin-Bacon-Popcorn_s4x3.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.suffix/1371589313610.jpeg)
Guaranteed to steal the show, this addictive popcorn is coated with sweet, salty caramel and tossed with crispy bits of bacon. Yes, bacon! Go forth and pop!