Sometimes I get fooled and I don’t even hate it. Take House Hunters, for example. I know it’s fake. Like the fakest fakedy fake ever. I’ve heard countless stories and read a ridiculous amount of blog posts that contain first person accounts of how fake it is. As in, these people have all already pretty much purchased houses by the time they can sign on for the show. And sometimes they actually tour the houses of friends because the show’s producers can’t find enough for sale houses that would fit the criteria. It’s so, so fake. And yet, I still watch. A lot. And I totally ignore the fact that it’s fake and invest a lot of energy trying to guess what house they’re going to “choose.”
Meh, you’re so obviously fake, House Hunters, and I don’t even care. That’s kinda how I feel about kale chips. I KNOW they’re not real chips. Duh, they’re green and healthy. But they’re so good at trying to fool me that I can completely ignore the fact that they’re actually healthy greens and not starchy fried vegetables. I love them and will proclaim to the kale-hating world that you must try kale chips with an open mind. You simply must!
And if you’re still annoyed that they’re trying to fool you, try mixing them together with popcorn and some parmesan. For what really is the ultimate snack.
Baked Kale Parmesan Popcorn:
Print this recipe!
- 5-6 C kale leaves, cleaned, ribs removed, and torn
- 1 T chili powder
- ¼ t garlic powder
- ½ t salt
- ¾ C parmesan cheese
- 2 T extra virgin olive oil, plus 1 T
- ⅓ C popcorn kernels
- 1 T finely chopped parsley
pre-heat oven to 350 degrees
Baking the kale comes first. Place kale leaves in a large bowl and toss together with chili powder, garlic powder, salt, half the parmesan, and 2 T olive oil.
Once kale is coated, spread leaves in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees for about 16-20 minutes, until nice and crispy.
While the kale is baking, pop the popcorn. I recommend popping ⅓ cup of popcorn. To do so, heat the olive oil and 3 popcorn kernels in a large saucepan over medium heat. When the kernels begin to pop, pour the rest of the kernels into the pot. Cover the pot and continue to cook for about 6-7 minutes, occasionally shaking the pan to keep the kernels moving. When the popping slows, move pot from heat and let stand for another minute.
Mix baked kale and popcorn in a bowl and sprinkle remaining parmesan cheese and parsley over the top.
And just try to stop from digging in ASAP and eating the entire bowl. This is a my dream come true snack. I am absolutely not fooling you here. You know I wouldn’t do that to you.
I recommend serving this popcorn snack with a large glass of red wine. Because popcorn and wine… OK, and kale. They require no words. That’s exactly what I did when my mom came over for a Sunday afternoon of chitchat and I was making this popcorn.
I really want to force feed this to people who claim they don’t like kale as part of some sort of experiment. Would that be bad? I think there are probably worse fates then being force fed popcorn, even if it does involve kale. But honestly, there’s also a lot of parmesan involved here, too and the spices are just right.
I kind of think I could eat this for a snack every single day of my life and never get tired of it. I won’t know unless I try, though...
And to be honest, this popcorn doesn’t store too well without getting a bit soggy and stale. You’ll probably end up eating most of it in one sitting anyway.
Don’t be mad at the kale for fooling you. It’s a good kind of fooling.
And if you want to talk about House Hunters being a fake, let’s not even get into Property Brothers. Talk about dreams being destroyed.
Just please don’t tell me my beloved Bachelor is fake. OK??? Thank you.
Does kale ever fool you into thinking it’s a totally indulgent snack?
[Sues]
Lynn @ The Actor’s Diet says
I could get the House Hunters dish for you next time I see my family friend - she’s the voice of the show!
Culinary Flavors says
Such a unique idea to combine popcorn and vegetables. Perfect meal for a picky child!
Barbara says
I get sucked into House Hunters too!
But not sure I'm going to get sucked into kale. 🙂
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
I'm loving the flavor of this popcorn! What a creative idea to add in kale and parmesan. Sounds like the perfect snack to me!
Katrina @ Warm Vanilla Sugar says
I am all over this! Loving the little bit of green to go along with that salty craving I've been having. Yum!
Pam says
Great idea and a perfect way to get more kale in my diet.
Nicole says
I love this idea so much! I really can't wait to try! All of those HGTV shows now on Netflix are my DOOM. We've started with Property Brothers, but the fake surprise to the dream home price and excessive amount of voiceovers makes me laugh.
Bianca @ Confessions of a Chocoholic says
I have a secret love for kale chips too and an unsecret love for anything with parmesan. This sounds like such a delicious snack!
Sharon says
This is the yummiest ever!!
Ashley | Spoonful of Flavor says
Haha, I've never thought of kale chips as a fake because I love them even more than regular chips. I love the combination of kale and popcorn. I would love a big bowl of this right now!
Meghan says
Sounds like a great snack!
House in Tillford says
Perfect guilt free snack!
Monica says
What?! House Hunters is fake? ; ) I watch it too and just never gave it much thought..but shouldn't be surprised. Love how you linked it to kale chips. The idea of combining it with popcorn is such a good one!
Catalina @ Shades of Pink says
this is cool, great flavors and textures in one bowl!
sarah k @ the pajama chef says
oh yum! how awesome. i hate how fake house hunters is too...so i switched to the international version and now satisfy my wanderlust that way. well, kinda... 🙂
Alyssa @ My Sequined Life says
I've never thought of combining kale chips and popcorn, but oh my gosh this looks so good! It would definitely be gone in one serving!
Amy @Very Culinary says
Haha! Was it a Seinfeld episode where Elaine looks that woman up and down and says, "Fake. Fake. Fake. Fake." This reminded me of that. I've never watched House Hunters, but I think all reality TV is fake. Some are just too fun not to watch, though.
I'm a popcorn junkie. And always in a pot with oil. None of this brown bagged microwave silliness. So ya, I sort of love this. And by sort of, I mean totally.
Joanne says
HA! That's how I feel about all reality television. I know I should hate it but I love it. So much.
I'm not sure how I feel about kale chips on their own, but as a popcorn mix-in, I am SO into them.
Carol at Wild Goose Tea says
I don't watch TV particularly. I don't even have cable. But I have watched House Hunters a time or two when I was in a motel. Fake huh? Oh dear I am SO upset to hear that----Not. Its fun to watch sometimes anyway. As it happens I love kale chips. I am not what you would call a health food eater. They just taste good to me. So this popcorn version you have put together sounds tasty to me.
[email protected] says
Can snack be any better, tastier or healthier?!! Loving this!
Cara's Healthy Cravings says
I am certain I would love the salty/crunchiness of this popcorn...sooo goood!
Lexi says
I was so sad when I learned the truth behind House Hunters. So sad.
I did, however, just discover that I like kale! Must try this recipe!