Cook's Notes: Reel NW's perfect Popcorn Pairing for Paddle to Seattle is a chocolate treat with caffeine to keep you afloat.

makes 2 quarts

Ingredients

• 2 quarts popped popcorn
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 teaspoons cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preparation

Place popcorn in a large bowl. Set aside. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together sugar, cocoa powder and instant espresso powder. Set aside. In a small glass bowl, microwave butter for 40 seconds. Add vanilla to the melted butter, whisking to combine. Drizzle the hot butter mixture over the popcorn a little at a time, stirring to coat evenly. Sprinkle the sugar-cocoa mixture over the buttered popcorn and mix well.