An Award-Worthy Appetizer to Serve at Your Oscars Viewing Party

There's a fair amount of questions surrounding this year's Academy Awards on Sunday night: Will Leo finally nab a statue? Will J-Law take a tumble? But the most important one lingers: What are the snacks? This easy-to-prep popcorn recipe, courtesy of author Leela Cyd's upcoming cookbook, Food with Friends ($14; amazon.com), ensures your guests will remain satiated through what promises to be a very long night—and maybe even longer, too. "It's a simple gesture that makes a lasting, thoughtful impression," says Cyd, who keeps a stash of extra supplies to give edible gifts extra polish, including bright Japanese washi tape (pictured above, on pink bag) for sealing or labeling and paper bags to quickly wrap up something delicious, like this addictive app. Read on for the full breakdown.

Popcorn with Thyme, Pepper, and Parmesan Topping

Makes 13 cups

Total Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

2 tbsp unsalted butter
13 cups popped popcorn (from 1/2 cup popcorn kernels)
1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves, finely chopped
3/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1/3 cup grated Parmesan
1/4 tsp salt

Directions

1. Melt butter in a small sauce pan
2. Spread popcorn on a lined baking sheet in a single layer.
3. Pour butter as evenly as possible over the popcorn. Sprinkle with thyme, pepper, Parmesan, and salt, gently shaking the baking sheet to distribute the flavors.
4. Let cool and serve or transfer into bags for a take-home treat ($5/12; thetomkatstudio.com)

For more of Cyd's recipes, pick up the March issue of InStyle, now available on newsstands and digital download.