"What's Poppin'?"

Money-Saving Tips & Tricks

My eldest daughter used to greet me like this. Beyond always putting a smile on my face it served as a reminder to make one of my go-to dinners each month: personalized popcorn.

Several years ago, the NY chef/restaurateur Dan Barber wrote a book called The Third Plate. In it, he deconstructs all sorts of myths about conventional eating and also takes aim at the tired triad of protein, starch, and vegetable that we grew up with on our plate every night.

While he does go very hard in the paint to make the case for sustainable eating, it’s also clear to me is that we MUST get away from this way of eating if we want to save money on our grocery bill. Unless you live in a commune of lumberjacks, no one needs meat and starch on a plate every night.

So literally, lighten up. Pop a few bags of popcorn and invite members of your household to customize their corn.

I love mine with brown butter, thyme, and “shake-y” Parmesan.

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Brown Butter, Thyme, and Parmesan Popcorn

(Makes 8 cups)

Microwavable popcorn

1/2 C butter

5 sprigs of thyme (stripped)

Parmesan to taste

Sea salt

Pop popcorn. Melt butter, mix in thyme and cook until brown. Toss with popcorn and sprinkle with parmesan…the fine, crumbly kind.

Add salt to taste.