Whether it’s for a late-night study snack or just something to munch on something while watching a movie, there’s nothing easier than popcorn. But with more adventurous cravings than just “something sweet,” or “something salty,” popcorn doesn’t always fit the bill. What if you want a little bit of both?

The unbeatable combinations of sweet and salty, or sweet and spicy, never fail to please our tastebuds. Using these two simple recipes, you can get the best of both worlds when nothing else in your pantry seems quite right.

What you’ll need:

Unflavoured popcorn

Maple syrup

Cayenne pepper (or chili flakes for those more sensitive to spice)

Salted peanuts (walnuts, cashews, or pecans work, too)

Sweet and spicy popcorn:

1) Pop your popcorn. While it’s popping, line a baking sheet with tinfoil or parchment paper. 

2) Warm half a cup of maple syrup; just enough to make it smooth and easy to pour. Increase the amount of maple syrup depending on how much popcorn you make.

3) With your popcorn in a bowl, pour in the warm syrup and mix well to evenly coat the popcorn.

4) Lightly sprinkle one tablespoon of cayenne pepper over the popcorn and mix again. Add another spoonful of your chosen spice if you want  your popcorn to really pack a punch.

5) Spread the flavoured popcorn on a prepared baking sheet to cool.

Once cool, eat immediately or store in an airtight container for later snacking.

Sweet and salty popcorn:

1) Pop your popcorn. While it’s popping, line a baking sheet with tin foil or parchment paper.

2) Heat half a cup of maple syrup over medium heat. Remove from heat once the maple syrup is hot but not boiling or burnt. Make sure not to touch it, however, as it can still burn.

3) With your popcorn in a bowl, add in one cup of peanuts and then pour the maple syrup over it.

4) Mix until everything is coated and sticky.

5) Using a spoon, place small clusters onto your prepared baking sheet to cool.

Once cool, eat immediately or store in an airtight container for later snacking.