J()by Bednar

Felt creative today so I was determined to conjure the Tiki Gods and create something different... or at least something I've never made before.  I've been watching quite a few cooking shows on Food Network, so rather than drawing or painting, I opted for a culinary creation.  A friend came over last night bringing a bottle of 10 Cane Rum, so inspiration took the form of 'Tiki Popcorn':

1 cup brown sugar (I actually don't know how much I used, it was bone dry and in chunks, but about a cup), zest from 1 lime, juice from 2 limes, and a shot of the 10 Cane Rum (I'm sure any good rum will do).  Bring to boil and caramelize.  Pop about 1/2 cup of popcorn in oil and a little salt.  Pour the lime sugar over the popcorn, mix, and pack in a baking tray to cool into a nice caramel corn block.  Break off chunks and enjoy!

I posted it to Twitter, and @strangetikigod offered up adding some powdered ginger and cloves to become Falernum popcorn.  Indeed!  I tried that and it is amazing!  A great spicy treat.  Definitely give both a try!  The lime gives it a nice kick, while the zest adds a little bitter depth.  The Falernum Tiki Popcorn version screams holiday in the tropics.  An amazing treat.

Now... where can I find a large Moai mold to pack the corn into as it cools... Hmmm...