Exetercation: Stay at Home Cinema

Can't go to the cinema? Why not have a night at the movies in your very own home...

Indoor cinema

Checklist:

• Dim the lights and close your blinds/curtains
• Create a cosy place…think lots of blankets and duvets, extra pillows – make sure everyone is comfortable
• Have your favourite snacks and drinks at the ready (we have even listed some do-it-yourself recipes)
• Make sure all phones are on either turned off or are on silent
• The hardest part - choose a film

We have even provided some yummy treats – just no popcorn throwing as you’ll be the one to clean it up at the end!

Outdoor cinema

Whether it be in your garden or on a balcony or roof terrace – make sure you have a piece of dry ground, sheltered from the wind, dark area and preferably a white wall or fence to hang a white sheet off. IKEA have some amazing ideas on turning your balcony into an instant home cinema. Visit their website to find out more!

Checklist:

• Warm dry night
• You will definitely need a projector for this preferably with a lumens of at least 3000
• Laptop, DVD player or streaming device and for great sound a speaker
• If you don’t have a white wall = a white sheet fixed to your fence or even your washing line – just make sure you fasten it at the bottom to stop if from flapping
• If the best spot is on the lawn = lay a ground sheet to protect against any moisture. Layer blankets, cushions and beanbags. You can even decorate with fairy lights and light the fire pit you have one. Just make sure the lights wont interfere with your screen
• You could even pitch up your tent for added protection against the cooling evening and bring all your blankets and pillows into the tent
• Light some citronella candles to ward off annoying insects
• Have your favourite snacks and drinks at the ready (we have even listed some do-it-yourself recipes)
• Make sure all phones are on either turned off or are on silent
• The hardest part - chose a film

IKEA have also got some amazing ideas on movies in the garden!

Popcorn - the essential snack 

Serves 6-8

Indgredients: 

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 100g popcorn kernels

Method:

1. Warm the oil in a large saucepan with a tight fitting lid on a medium heat.
2. Toss the popcorn kernels in the oil
3. Put the lid on and wait until you hear the first popcorn pop = turn the heat to medial-low as you don’t want to burn the kernels
4. When you start hearing lots of popping, give the saucepan a good shake.
5. Continue to shake frequently until the popping stops.
6. Remove from heat

Don't forget your popcorn toppings...

Traditional Salt & Sugar

Lightly season to taste…simples

Easy peasy Italian Style

• Melt ¼ cup of butter (vegan butter) in a sauce pan
• Toss with garlic powder, hot sauce and red pepper flakes drizzle over your popcorn with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese (vegan)

Curry flavoured

Melt ¼ cup of butter (vegan butter) in a sauce pan

Add:

• 1tbsp curry powder,
• 1tsp agave nectar,
• 1tsp ground turmeric,
• ½ tsp garam masala,
• ¼tsp black pepper,
• a pinch of cayenne pepper and kosher salt to taste
• Pour mixture over popcorn

Caramel Popcorn

Ingredients:

• 250g caster sugar
• 60ml water
• 50g salted butter, cubed 

Method:

1. Add the sugar and water into saucepan and bring to a boil.
2. Stir until the sugar has dissolved, then leave over a medium heat without stirring from 6-8min
3. When it starts turning a golden caramel add the butter – continue to stir until combined (it may split but carry on stirring.
4. Pour the caramel over the popcorn and stir immediately. Please do be careful as this caramel will be very hot.
5. Transfer the popcorn onto a lined baking tray and leave to cool for 5 minutes, then break apart and eat

Bacon Popcorn

Start from scratch as you will use the bacon fat to pop the kernels!

Ingredients:

• 1tbsp oil
• 200g streaky bacon, cut into chunks
• 100g popcorn kernels
• 1tbsp unsalted butter

Method:

Peanut Butter & Honey Popcorn

Ingredients:

• 65g honey
• 65g sugar
• 65g peanut butter (free of added sugar)
• ½ teaspoon vanilla essence

Method:

1. In a saucepan warm the honey and sugar over a medium heat. Once the sugar has dissolved gently stir in the peanut butter and vanilla essence.
2. Stir until all combined
3. Pour the peanut butter mixture over the popcorn and stir immediately. Please do be careful as this mixture will be very hot.
4. Transfer the popcorn onto a lined baking tray and leave to cool for 5 minutes, then break apart and eat

Not your nachos!

Serves 3

Ingredients:

• 175g plain tortilla crisps
• 225g jar salsa
• Couple of sliced spring onions
• Grated cheese of choice

Optional:

• Sour cream
• Guacamole
• Jar of jalapenos
• Pinch of crushed chilli flakes

Method:

1. Pour tortilla crisps onto a baking tray, add salsa and scatter over the sliced spring onions and jalapenos.
2. Sprinkle the cheese, and crushed chilli flakes and put under a hot grill until the cheese has melted.
3. Served with soured cream and/or guacamole

Other additional toppings:

• Sliced olives
• Diced red onions
• Sweetcorn
• Chilli Con Carne
• Left over Shredded roast chicken smothered in BBQ sauce
• Fresh avocado
• Refried beans
• Coriander

Make your own tortilla crisps

Ingredients:

• 12 corn tortilla/ wraps
• 3 tbsp oil

Method:

1. Brush both sides of the wraps with oil and season
2. Cut into triangles and arrange in a single layer onto a baking sheet (you may need to do batches) and bake at 200c/180fan/gas 6 for 7-8 mins.
3. Turn half way

Fizzy floats

Ingredients:

• Fizzy drink of choice
• Vanilla ice cream

Method:

1. Pour your drink of choice into a large pint glass ¾ full add a scoop or two of ice cream
2. Make sure you don’t fill the glass to much or it will spill over when you add the ice cream
3. Why not put a shot of your favourite tipple to make an adult version

Healthy Slush Puppies

Ingredients:

• 2 cups frozen fruit of choice
• 1 tbsp Honey
• ½ cup of water

Method:

1. Add all ingredients into a blender. Blend thoroughly adding an additional ¼ of water if needed
2. Serve immediately
3. Why not put a shot of your favourite tipple to make an adult version
4. Leftovers? Why not make homemade ice lollies – just make sure you keep the adult ones separate

Homemade banana-na-na-naa and strawberry ice cream

Ingredients:

• 4 ripe bananas cut into chunks and put into the freezer (prepare the day before)
• 3-4 tbsp milk
• Handful of frozen strawberries

Method:

1. Add bananas and strawberries into a blender and whizz until smooth with enough of the milk to achieve a thick creamy texture.
2. Put back into the freezer for a couple of hours

Additional toppings:

• Instead of strawberries try a couple of tablespoons of peanut butter
• Top with chocolate flakes
• Decorate with sprinkles and your favourite sauce
• Left over mixture? – add a bit more milk and blend until slightly thinner for a nice refreshing smoothie!