October is National Popcorn Month, and we are excited to celebrate at Gather Wisconsin with this savory recipe courtesy of Wisconsin Cheese. Before we dive into this simple recipe to enhance your upcoming movie night, let’s learn a little more about this delightful snack.
A long history
The origin of these delightful kernels date back thousands of years. It is believed that the oldest ears ever found were about 4,000 years old. These cobs were discovered in the Bat Cave of western New Mexico in the late 1940s.
Popcorn’s history continued with 16th century Aztec Indians who are believed to have used it in various ceremonies and celebrations. In fact, kernels believed to be over 1,000 years old have been found in burial grounds of Northern Chile.
As agricultural practices advanced with the use of the moldboard plow in the 1800s, so did the planting of corn varieties, including popcorn, across the United States.
Uses through the years
Considered a traditional snack food today, popcorn has had a variety of purposes and roles over time. Late nineteenth and early twentieth century consumers actually enjoyed it for breakfast just as we eat cereal today – in a bowl with milk.
Through the Great Depression, popcorn was a common street food that struggling families could afford. Sales actually grew throughout the Great Depression when it was introduced into movie theaters, creating a mutually beneficial, low-cost snack item for both movie patrons and theater owners.
Popcorn also has a longstanding integration with the holiday season. Throughout the decades, it has been utilized for low-cost holiday decorations, gifts and food items, such as the popcorn ball.
A continued staple
It eventually became a household staple with the introduction of microwaveable popcorn in the 1980s. The convenience mixed with its nostalgia has kept popcorn a household standard for decades. Gourmet businesses, like Rural Route 1 Popcorn right here in Wisconsin, have introduced new flavors and concoctions to the mix that continue to delight various palettes.
We encourage you to celebrate National Popcorn Month with this recipe courtesy of our friends at Wisconsin Cheese.
Recipe provided courtesy of Wisconsin Cheese. Photo courtesy of Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin.
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Three Cheese Popcorn
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons butter cubed and melted
- 9 cups plain popped popcorn
- 1 ounce Sartori Classic Asiago cheese grated (1/3 cup)
- 1 ounce Sartori Classic Parmesan cheese grated (1/3 cup)
- 1 ounce Sartori Classic Romano cheese grated (1/3 cup)
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Drizzle butter over popcorn. Add the asiago, parmesan and romano; toss to coat. Season with salt to taste.
Notes
Cheesemonger Tip
Sartori is a fourth-generation, family-owned company. Known for their artisan cheeses, Sartori has won over 200 awards at the most competitive cheese competitions in the U.S. and around the world.CHEESE
Look for the Proudly Wisconsin Badge when shopping for cheese. Any brand of Wisconsin Asiago, Parmesan or Romano can be used in this recipe.