Turn Up The Heat On Your Popcorn With This Classic Caribbean Seasoning

While some like it hot, others enjoy the complex heat of Jamaican jerk seasoning, with its layers of smoky, warm, and spicy notes. If that sounds like you, don't save this flavor just for the barbecue. Jerk seasoning also makes an incredible topping for homemade popcorn.

You can find this Caribbean favorite in sauce or powder form, though a dry blend is best to keep your snack from getting soggy. For peak flavor, you can also make your own. As a fusion of African and Indigenous Jamaican cooking, the traditional blend combines the heat of Scotch bonnet peppers, the bite of scallions and garlic, and the zing of ginger, cinnamon, and thyme. 

Other recipes for flavor-packed jerk chicken tweak that mix with lime and soy sauce. You can also sweeten it with nutmeg and maple syrup or turn the heat up full blast with jalepeños or other fiery peppers. For best results with seasoning that will stick to popcorn, pulverize your spices with a mortar and pestle or grinder first, breaking them down into a fine powder that can work itself into all the crevices of the popped kernels. 

Once your spice blend is ready, you want to make sure it ends up on your popcorn, not the bottom of the bowl. The secret is to give it something to stick to. Popping the corn in butter or oil is one way to help it adhere, though you may want to drizzle a little more melted butter or oil into the bowl to coat it more evenly and add a rich flavor. 

For a fat-free method, you can use an air popper and spritz on a little vinegar afterward. Since vinegar is often blended into jerk sauce, the flavors will complement each other perfectly. Then it's time to add the spices. 

While the popcorn is still warm, sprinkle your seasoning over the top of the bowl, stirring it to distribute it evenly. Another method is to put both the popcorn and spice blend in a paper bag and shake it vigorously before pouring it into a serving bowl. And remember, if you've made it pretty zingy, a little seasoning goes a long way — you don't need to overdo it. Finally, serve it up with cold beer or try a popular tropical drink from around the world to make your island-inspired treat complete.