Well hello! Happy New Year! Want to know my first resolution?

Getting back to blogging..and cooking…and eating! I’ve been unfortunately really sick the past two weeks, and between that and the holiday madness, I’ve neglected you and this blog!

So in 2012, I promise to bring you lots more scrumptious recipes and healthy ideas!

Let’s start with this to.die.for. popcorn. An amazing friend of mine gifted me with truffle oil for Christmas. You can bet I about died, as it's my all time favorite ingredient. I’m already trying to find things to put it on to eat it for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Health Benefits

Truffle Oil – mostly olive oil, with the same health benefits: protects against heart disease, can lower blood pressure, rich in polyphenols which act as antioxidants and anti-inflammatory;
Parmesan - high in protein, low in carbs, great source of calcium and phosphorus.

What is truffle oil, you ask? Well it has nothing to do with chocolate truffles (which was my first thought when I learned of its existence a few years back). It's actually derived from truffles, which are the underbody of the mushroom. Truffles are super expensive, but absolutely divine in flavor. But due to their cost, truffle oil is used more frequently, as it gives the same flavor for much less cost. My favorite truffle treat? Ok, I can’t pick one.. but I love chanterelle mushroom and truffle cheese pizza or truffle fries. Good heavens…truffle on anything is AMAZING.

So for a healthy, light snack I whipped up this parmesan and truffle popcorn. Let’s just say, there wasn’t any left by the time the hubby made it home from work. Make this popcorn soon… it would be great for a party snack (that is, if you are willing to share).

Parmesan and Black Truffle Popcorn

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup popcorn kernels
• 1/4 cup truffle oil plus 1 tablespoon
• 1/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese (or cheddar)
• Sea salt and pepper to taste

Directions
Cook popcorn, using truffle oil, according to popcorn package instructions. Drizzle popped corn with remaining 1 tablespoon of truffle oil. Sprinkle shaved parmesan on top. Season to taste with sea salt and pepper. Enjoy!