How to Make Popcorn

 (the old-fashioned way)

It seems that the only way to make popcorn these days is with the microwave; however, people have been making popcorn for generations and a microwave is certainly not necessary – or even preferred. Microwave popcorn contains far too much oil and salt as well as other added chemicals that have been shown to be unhealthy. If you want an all-natural healthy snack, consider learning how to make popcorn on the stove. It’s really a very simple process, and it allows you to control the amount of salt and oil. You can also make your own unique variations, whether you prefer a savory, sweet or salty snack.

Ingredients:

• 2 to 3 tablespoons of canola, vegetable, or peanut oil
• about 1/3 cup of popcorn kernels

Directions:

1.  In a heavy skillet or pot (with a tight fitting lid) add the oil and enough popcorn kernels to cover the bottom of the pan in a single layer.

2.  Place the uncovered pan over medium-high heat and watch carefully until the kernels begin to move around; as soon as a couple of kernels pop, cover the pan and remove it from the heat. Let the pan sit one minute – this allows all the kernels to reach the same temperature, so that they’ll pop evenly.

3.  Place the pan back over medium-high heat and set the lid slightly ajar in order to allow steam to escape. Once the popcorn starts popping, shake pan gently to move the kernels around some; when the popping slows down and seems like it’s almost done, remove the pan from the heat and immediately pour your popcorn into a large bowl.

4.  Top with butter or your favorite seasonings. Enjoy!

Perfectly Popped Popcorn

 

Make Your Own Microwave Popcorn

If you still want to enjoy making your own popcorn, but you prefer using the microwave, you can definitely make your own microwave popcorn!

How to Make Popcorn in the Microwave:

How to Serve Your Popcorn

• cracked blacked pepper
• Parmesan cheese
• garlic powder
• crushed thyme infused in melted butter
• a light sprinkling of sugar and salt
• nutritional yeast*

* If you haven’t tried nutritional yeast yet, you’re in for a special treat. It’s packed with essential vitamins and minerals, and has numerous health benefits. Even the kids will love it – it tastes just like cheese! Yum.

Another Great Option for Popping Popcorn

If you want to really make your home popcorn popping effortless and fun, you could try the Whirley Pop Popcorn Popper, this stovetop popper gets fabulous reviews because it makes popping popcorn so easy. It also makes light fluffy popcorn and every kernel gets popped.