Truffled popcorn, the ultimate wedding snack, from the Inn at Little Washington. Photo by Tim Turner.It’s been 35 years since chef Patrick O’Connell opened The Inn at Little Washington, in rural Virginia, and gave foodies around the world a reason to head for the Blue Ridge foothills. In those three-and-a-half decades, The Inn has expanded to encompass several outbuildings and gardens, and now hosts 45 weddings a year, from two-person elopements to 90-person extravaganzas. The ornate stage-set-like bedrooms, which have caused more than one visitor to curse the ratty sleep T-shirt in her suitcase, are some of the most over-the-top honeymoon digs on the planet.

An over-the-top guest room at the Inn at Little Washington

An over-the-top guest room at The Inn at Little Washington

Such exquisiteness does not come cheap. Just in case you’re not quite able to swing the  tab, we’re happy to share one of Chef O’Connell’s charming culinary innovations: truffled popcorn. Worth take a stab at, no matter where you’re marrying.

Truffled popcorn

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons good-quality truffle oil
  • 1/4 cup popcorn kernels, popped per package directions (preferably air-popped)
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
  • 1 tablespoon finely minced flat-leaf parsley leaves
  • Salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • Shavings from 1 small fresh white or black truffle (optional)

Heat the butter and truffle oil in a small saucepan over medium-low heat until melted and warmed through.

Place freshly popped popcorn in a large mixing bowl.

Pour the butter-oil mixture along the inside walls of the bowl, then stir quickly to coat the popcorn. Add the cheese and parsley; toss to distribute evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve the popcorn in small cardboard carnival boxes and grate fresh truffle over each serving, if you’re feeling flush.

Ultimate destination for a foodie wedding: The Inn at Little Washington

The ultimate destination for a foodie wedding:  The Inn at Little Washington


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