Foodie Chap With Amy Tarrant of Too Haute Cowgirls Popcorn
KCBS radio "Foodie Chap" and KPIX 5 television "Eye On The Bay" host Liam Mayclem introduces us to the culinary stars behind the food and wine loved by so many in the Bay Area.
About Amy Tarrant:
Meet Amy Tarrant, co-founder of Too Haute Cowgirls Popcorn. Says Amy "Growing up in Iowa, popcorn dinners became our tradition every Sunday night when we'd gather around the TV and watch "Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom".
Amy loves snacking so it's no surprise that her and her co-founder created a gourmet snack out of two of their favorite things; popcorn and chocolate! After graduating from the University of Kansas Journalism School, Amy moved to Colorado and sold media – radio, print, and one of the first internet radio stations.
After a decade selling media, Amy took time off and went to an intensive pastry program in Boulder, Colorado, then moved back to her home near Aspen where she reconnected with her business partner Deanna to create "Too Haute Cowgirls". "I haven't looked back since!" she says.
Amy and I met at the Foodie Chap test kitchen at CBS for our taping and popcorn making session. We made the "Chili Game Day Popcorn" - an easy recipe that all can make. It's popcorn with a kick for sure and the perfect treat for game day be it basketball, baseball, football or soccer that tickles your sporting fancy.
Among their other flavors:
- Chili Con Chocolate™
- End of the Trail Mix™
- The Good, The Bad and The Peanut Butter™
- Fistful of Fleur de Sel™
- Blisters on my Buttercrunch™
- Mutton Bustin' Milk Chocoloate™
- Cowgirl Coffee™
- Have Bacon Will Travel™
Amy and business partner Deanna are hoping to take their popcorn business to the next level but they need your help. They hope is to raise $100k with a little help from friends and popcorn fans via kickstarter. The new investment will help buy much needed equipment like a labeling machine...and that's just for starters. Find out how you can help make this business pop by visiting www.toohautecowgirls.com.
Enjoy the tasty talk and the "delish" recipe below.
Cheers, Liam!
GAME DAY CHILI POPCORN
Ingredients:
2 TBL Coconut Oil
½ cup popcorn
2 TBL Butter
¼ cup coarsely chopped pecans
1 tsp creole seasoning
½ tsp chili powder
½ tsp cayenne pepper
¼ tsp salt
Directions:
Put a few popcorn kernels in heavy bottom skillet with oil over high heat. Cover. Crack lid just slightly to let steam escape.
When first kernel pops, take skillet off heat and add ½ cup popcorn. Turn heat to medium high, place skillet back on heat and shake pan back and forth for a couple seconds to cover all kernels in oil. Shake pan occasionally while popcorn is popping. When popping slows, dump popcorn into large bowl.
Sprinkle with pecans. Drizzle with 2 tbl melted butter.
Combine remaining ingredients in small bowl and sprinkle onto popcorn with melted butter. Toss popcorn to coat evenly with seasoning. Grab a hard cider or a slightly chilled California zinfandel and watch the game! An ice cold beer always works too!
Variations for your stovetop popcorn:
Once you have your popcorn popped, have fun, here are some ideas:
- Spray with a good olive oil if you want to omit the butter and cut the fat content and sprinkle with ½ tsp salt and 1/3 cup of nutritional yeast for a cheesy tasting snack and a protein punch.
- Combine ½ cup grated parmesan, 1 tsp of basil, 1tsp oregano, 1 tsp rosemary a ½ tsp salt and toss.
- MY ALL TIME FAVORITE – simple and delicious. Toss with butter and sprinkle with 1 tsp white truffle sea salt. My favorite is from Smith and Truslow Organic spices.
For more on Too Haute Cowgirls Popcorn, visit www.toohautecowgirls.com
