Well, not totally homemade, as in I didn’t grow my own corn. (Not that I didn’t try, our corn was just sad last year…) But I sure as heck popped it without the use of a greasy chemically lined microwaveable bag!
Okay, I’ll admit that when it comes to popping corn the old fashioned way, I’m a bit of a chicken. For some reason, the thought of cooking kernels until they start flying across my kitchen always made me nervous. So when a friend called and said she’d been making her own, and it was awesome, I reluctantly gave it a try, and ONLY because she kept stressing just how awesome it really was!
And this little project of mine did make some of my fears come true. I have to admit it took me several attempts before I actually figured it out. Now…I can run an entire house hold, do laundry, cook dinner, homeschool 4 kids simultaneously, and take pictures to prove it all, but apparently the term “microwaveable safe” dish didn’t quite sink in.
If you can get that term down, then this will go much smoother for you all.
To start you need to take a little trip down the popcorn isle and pick out some kernels, or grow your own, but really, that’s just too much work.
Anyway, get some kernels, I chose organic, must be better right? Then grab some seasoning and butter spritzer. We picked out White Cheddar and Kettle Corn flavoring.
But don’t use them together. They don’t mix well…I’m just sayin’.
Oh, and you also need some vegetable oil.
Next, in a (please say very slowly and loudly) M I C R O W A V E – S A F E glass bowl add 3 Tablespoons of veg. oil and 1/2 cup popcorn kernels.
(notice the bowl above is plastic, don’t do this)
COVER with a microwaveable lid. Otherwise you’ll have kernels all over your microwave. You’d think this would be obvious.
Microwave on high for about 3 minutes or until popping slows to about 5 seconds between pops, times may vary according to your microwave.
Next spray with butter spritzer and sprinkle with desired flavoring. Toss and repeat. Take a small moment to thank me for reminding you to use a MICROWAVE SAFE glass bowl, then enjoy!
Tip: If you find that not all the kernels pop, you can half the recipe and cook each half separately. I guarantee you’ll still want to make the full recipe though as it will disappear quickly!
Some other flavors to try:
- Curry: 1 tsp curry powder, 3/4 tsp ground tumeric, 3/4 tsp ground ginger, tiny pinch cayenne pepper.
- Pizza: 3 Tbsp grated Parmesan Cheese, 1 tsp ground dried oregano, 1/2 tsp dried tomato powder.
- Salt and Vinegar: 1/4 c salted malt vinegar, sea salt to taste
- Italian: 3 Tbsp grated Parmesan Cheese, 1 tsp ground dried oregano
- Buttery Goodness: Salt to taste, then drizzle some real melted butter over the top!
- Cinnamon & Sugar: Spritz with butter spritzer, then sprinkle with 1/4 tsp of cinnamon and 1 Tbsp sugar.
- White Chocolate: Place popped corn in a tupperware container and sprinkle with 1/4 cup white chocolate chips. Cover with lid and microwave 10 seconds, then shake warmed popcorn to slightly melt the chips.
- Cheddar Cheese and sea salt
Have a yummy flavor to share? Please share in the comments, I’d love to hear try it!
THANKS! My son loves popcorn, but the diacetyl free stuff is pricey so I don't buy it for him often. I'll pick up some kernels tomorrow. I'm not ready to make room for another kitchen appliance so at least he can still get his popcorn craving satisfied. Yeah!
If you want to avoid the microwave altogether, use this:http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/179-7983627-3168449?asin=B00004SU35&AFID;=Froogle_df&LNM;=|B00004SU35&CPNG;=kitchen&ci;_src=14110944&ci;_sku=B00004SU35&ref;=tgt_adv_XSG10001We have one and LOVE it. The kernels come out sooooooo plump and fluffy. I can't have popcorn any other way now.
why not try the old-fashioned way: in a saucepan pan!! just pour a little oil to cover the bottom of it, cover with the kernels, and place on medium heat! Don't forget the lid! the kids love it when it starts popping (I let the few "escape" before putting the lid on!)
too funny! we are actually doing a popcorn unit study this week and will be giving one copy of it away next week! so come visit my blog! http://www.chestnutgroveacademy.blogspot.com My kids love popcorn, my mom got us a popcorn popper last year for Christmas, the LOVE LOVE LOVE it!
I'm definitely going to try this =)
I grew up with my mom popping it in a pan. I went the easy route when I first got married and got a cheap popcorn popper. Then I moved to England and couldn't find a reasonably-priced popper (poppers are rare here anyway), so I went back to popping it the old-fashioned way…in a skillet with a lid. It's far yummier than microwave or air popped! However, I highly recommend this popcorn pan if you can find one–I bought it for my mom once, and she loves it. It's so easy to use and has the same effect as a regular pan.http://www.lovetolearn.net/catalog/detail/popcorn/0
Oh, the pan I mentioned is the same as the one Cajunrose sent you a link to! Awesome pan…wish I could get one in England.
You can pop corn in the microwave without oil. Only downside is that it's a bit like air popped corn and salt doesn't stick to it.
I have had my stir crazy for over 10 years and still use it and love it! http://www.amazon.com/West-Bend-82306-6-Quart-Electric/dp/B00004RC6R
Glad you guys like it, I shoulda clarified glass microwavable bowl. I did think the lid was obvious though! lol I have to try the white chocolate.