Hawaiian Hurricane Popcorn

January 19: National Popcorn Day

How’zit?! Befo’ time, when Islandah and her bruddah, Kahuna, wen go movies togeddah in Hawaii, they sneak da mochi crunch an’ furikake insai their pockets. Den afta they ordah da popcorn wit’ da buttah on top, they go mix ‘em in da dark theater and make da kine populah snack called “hurricane popcorn.” Bumbye, da concession stands start fo’ sell ‘em cuz local peoples like ‘em—get buttah, mochi crunch, furikake and sometimes li hing mui powdah in da popcorn already. No can find hurricane popcorn on da mainland but. Now Islandah goes to one Asian food mart fo’ buy mochi crunch an’ furikake so she can make ‘em at home when she like watch movies on da TV. Fo’ National Popcorn Day, try make one ono kine local grindz like Hawaiian hurricane popcorn. It’s garanz ballbaranz diff’rent but delicious! Aloha!

Click to hear Islander speak about hurricane popcorn in Pidgin (Hawaiian Creole):

Recipe

(Inspired by Hawaii Popcorn Company)

Ingredients

• 1 packet of microwavable popcorn, popped
• 2-3 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1-2 tablespoons nori komi furikake seasoning
• ½ cup of arare mochi crunch (Japanese rice crackers)

Directions

In a large bag or container, combine the popped popcorn with melted butter. Close the bag or container tightly and shake the contents until well coated.

Add the furikake seasoning and mochi crunch and shake again. Transfer to a bowl or individual serving containers.

Notes

• We used Reynolds brand oven bags in which to shake the hurricane popcorn ingredients.
• For a sweeter hurricane popcorn, add some li hing mui powder to taste or use kettle corn flavor.
• Before smiling, check your teeth for furikake plaque.
• Mahalo nui loa to Islandah’s parents, Auntie Maria B. and sistah Nan N. for sending care packages from Hawaii, which include ingredients for hurricane popcorn.