ALOHA THEATER SEASONED POPCORN

Hawaiian

This popcorn was served at the Aloha Theater in Kona, Hawaii.  It was great to be able to go to the movies and get a big bag of popcorn that left you feeling good.  It's a perfect snack when you want something a little nutty, salty, spicy, and crisp.  The nutritional yeast creates the nutty flavor, the tamari adds the salt, and the cayenne provides the spice.  Yum! 

INGREDIENTS

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or olive oil
• 1/2 cup (125 g) popcorn
• 1/2 cup (60 g) nutritional yeast
• 1-2 tablespoons tamari or Bragg Liquid Aminos
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne
• Grated Parmesan or other cheese (optional)
• Sea salt

METHOD

MIND REFRESHER

As corn pops, wish that all minds may be popped open and filled with a wisdom and compassion.

• As corn starts to pop, shake pan until all corn is popped.
• Pour into serving bowl and toss with yeast, tamari, cayenne, and cheese.
• Season to taste with salt.

Makes 8 cups or 1 large bowl

VARIATIONS

• Toss with fresh lime juice and ground cayenne.
• Toss with melted butter and granulated sugar.
• Toss with olive oil, Bragg Liquid Aminos, gomashio, garlic powder, ground cayenne.

JAM MILK

Swedish

In Sweden, the forests are rich with wild berries--cranberries, blueberries, cloudberries, and raspberries.  So it is very common for people to have cupboards full of beautiful jams, with colors ranging from golds to reds.  This snack, called "poor man's dessert" in Sweden, is simply jam mixed with milk.  it is an easy after-school treat for kids. 

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup (8 ounces or 250 mil) milk or non-dairy milk
• 1 tablespoon jam (forest berry, raspberry, or strawberry)

METHOD

• Pour milk into glass.
• Stir in jam until mixed.
• Drink with a straw.

MIND REFRESHER

Appreciate whatever is happening. 

Makes an 8-ounce (250 ml) glass

SUSHI BALLS TO GO

Japanese

The Japanese take sushi balls along when traveling because they provide good steady energy.  Umeboshi plums are pinkish red and salt-pickled, with a sour salty taste.  They aid digestion, enhance the immune system, and are very alkaline.  They can be found in Japanese markets or natural food stores.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup (250 g) freshly cooked short-grain rice
• 6 umeboshi plums, pitted
• 2 nori seaweed sheets
• Toasted sesame oil

METHOD 

• Wet hands and press some cooked rice into a small ball.  Make a hole in the center, place inside an umeboshi plum, and press rice to reform ball.  Repeat this procedure with remaining rice and plums.
• Put balls in a tight-fitting container.
• Cut nori seaweed sheets into thirds.
• Brush squares with sesame oil and lightly toast over flame.
• Put toasted sheets in container with rice balls, cover, and take on your trip.
• At snack time, roll together nori squares and rice balls.

 Makes 6

MIND REFRESHER

Stand straight, breathe normally, and watch he movement of your mind for 30 seconds.