As the temperatures drop, we snuggle up on the couch under blankets to watch movies. What is the most perfect food to go with movies?
POPCORN!!!!!
January 19th is National Popcorn Day. How many of you have ever thought about what goes into microwave popcorn? I didn’t have to do research to be concerned, but if you need some convincing –
Microwave popcorn contains partially hydrogenated oils which are full of trans fats. Yes, the bad kind. It also contains diacetyl and pentanedione which are chemicals “they” are researching due to possible connections to Cancer and Alzheimer disease. Concerned?
Here are two options to make the popcorn yourself in a much healthier way. And PS – both are quick and easy… and CHEAPER than standard microwave popcorn.
OPTION #1
The old fashioned way – on the stove top. Pour 2-3 TBSP of oil in a sauce pan – enough to cover the bottom of the pan. Cover the bottom of the pan with popcorn kernels. Cover the top of the pan with a lid and heat over medium high heat. Shake occasionally to ensure the kernels don’t burn on the bottom of the pan.
As it pops, pour into a bowl and continue to cover the pan until the popping has stopped. Season and salt (and butter) at your discretion and taste.
OPTION #2
For the times when you need a smaller amount of popcorn, for a snack for yourself, or even at the office. Take a paper lunch bag. Pour popcorn kernels to cover the bottom. Isn’t this a funny picture… helloooooo down there……
Fold the top over several times. Heat in the microwave for two to two and a half minutes give or take until the popping stops. You may have to experiment a few times with your microwave to get the right timing.
Again, season and salt (and butter) at your discretion and taste.
Much healthier, and honestly, I prefer the more natural taste of real popcorn over the chemical butter taste of the microwave bag.
Recreate popcorn night at your house with these fun containers from Amazon.com.
Now, I know that both methods take a little longer (like an additional minute or two) than throwing a bag of microwave popcorn into the microwave. Is it worth it? Do you eat microwave popcorn? What are your thoughts on the chemicals? Do you pop your own? Would love to hear your feedback!
Love, hugs, and making small healthy changes.
Holly
Disclosure Policy Click HERE. Linking to these fun and fabulous parties: Monday – Monday Funday, Make the Scene Monday, Block Party,Give Me the Goods Monday, Making Monday, More the Merrier Monday, Monday Bloom, Inspiration Monday, Not Just a Housewife, In and Out of the Kitchen – Feeding Big, Met Monday – Between Naps on the Porch, Make Your Home Sing, The DIYers, Project Inspire{d}, Frugal Crafty Home, Busy Monday, Make it Pretty Monday, TDC Before and After, Tuesday – Inspire Me Tuesday, Power of Paint, Return to Loveliness, You’re Gonna Love it Tuesday, Tuesday’s Table, Empty Your Archive, Share Your Stuff, Salt Tree Social, Share it Link Party, Tuesday Treasures, Tuesday Confessional, Take a Look Tuesday, Maria Elenas Decor, Turn it Up Tuesday, Wednesday – Centerpiece Wednesday, Wow Us Wednesday, Hookin on Hump Day, Wednesday Extravaganza, Ducks N a Row, What I Wore Wednesday, Cuisine Kathleen, Moms Test Kitchen, Start at Home, Work it Wednesday, Pink Recipe Box, Wonderful Wednesdays, Thursday – Organized 31, Between Naps on the Porch, No Minimalist Here, From My Front Porch to Yours, Made in a Day, Crafty Thursday Obsessions, All Things With Purpose, A Delightsome Life, Krafty Inspiration, Friday – Dedicated House, Tablescaper Places I’ve Been, The Life of the Party, Kitchen Fun with My 3 Sons, Link Party Palooza, Craftionary Friday Link Party, Pin Junkie, Craft Frenzy Friday, Friday’s Five, Best of the Weekend, Party Junk, Inspire Me, Frugalicious Friday, Pin Me Link Party, Practically Functional, Everyday Vintage, Show Off Friday, Weekend – Be Different Act Normal, Tablescaper Seasonal Sundays, Nifty Thrifty, USS Crafty, Get Your DIY On, Suburbs Mama, Spotlight Saturday, Craft, Create, Inspire
I am not a fan of any kind of microwave popcorn (I think I’ve smelled too many burned bags in offices around the world in my time). But I am a huge fan of option #1 the old school way. In fact, I’m off to make a pot of popcorn now. Yum.
Hi Susan – I am sooooo with you on that burned microwave popcorn office stank. Blech! I really like the old fashioned way, it’s a much simpler taste. Hugs, Holly
I didn’t know you could microwave regular popcorn!!! That is good to know. It has been a long time since i have made homemade popcorn, my Dad used to make it all of the time. Thanks for sharing this!
Hi Cynthia – Yeah, just make sure you fold down the paper bag or you will have popcorn all over your microwave! Very sweet memory of your Dad. Hugs, Holly
Cute post! Thank you for the instructions – going to try the bag method! We always use the stove top.
I do NOT like chemicals, but I’m not sure we make it too healthy – hubby uses butter flavored crisco to cook the popcorn! And then he adds butter!!! Gross, eh? Definitely going to try the lunch bag method now – I just grossed myself out! 🙂
Julia
Hi Julia – Now I do like just a little bit of butter on my popcorn… not too much. But that with the butter flavored crisco might be a bit much like you said. Thanks so much for visiting. Hugs, Holly
Ohhhh you can do it in a bag in the microwave?? Too nifty! I have never tried it that way!
I am a firm believer in real popcorn’s glory. Bring onnnn the butter!! I can’t have popcorn as much as I used to due to diet restrictions, but when I do eat it, I want it in all its stove-top-popped glory! Glad to have a like minded popcorn enthusiast!
Thanks for sharing!
-Carolyn
Hi Carolyn – Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing. Glad we are popcorn solidarity sisters! Hugs, Holly
-highfives all around- Go team real popcorn! XD
What!? This may sounds stupid, but it never occurred to me to make popcorn on the stovetop! I actually don’t buy microwave popcorn because of the junk that is in it, but my son loves popcorn. I am making this! Thanks so much!
Hi Bethany – Thank you for stopping by and so glad to help! It is very “plain” on the stove when it’s natural, so you may have to doctor it up a bit for your son. But what you add to it is all you and no guessing! Hugs, Holly
We love popcorn! Thanks for stopping by and linking up at Saturday Dishes.
Blessings,
Diane Roark
http://www.recipesforourdailybread.com
Hi Diane – Great to party with you – popcorn and all! Hugs, Holly
My family has popcorn every Sunday for supper. I make it with the crazy popper.
Hi Angela – Any interest in adopting a 42 year-old red head? I would love to be a member of your family on Sundays! Hugs, Holly
Just “popping” over from the Wonderful Wednesday blog hop on Ducks ‘n a Row. So glad I did! My family LOVES popcorn! We often make it on the stove, but I am certainly trying out this microwave method tonight! Thanks for the tip!
Cathi ~ The Bookish Baker
http://cathithebookishbaker.blogspot.ca/
Hi Cathi – So glad you found this useful. Thanks for the pun and the smiles! Hugs, Holly
We are popcorn lovers and are always using our air popper.
Hi Pamela – I grew up with the hot air popper and family game night! Thanks for the memories. Hugs, Holly
we sometimes make it
in the kettle on the stove
but i do admit
i have a slight addiction
to a certain microwave brand!
thanks for sharing
at Fridays Unfolded!
Alison
Nancherrow
Hi Alison – Thanks for visiting and for the invite! Enjoyed your party. Hugs, Holly
I had NO clue one could just put popcorn in a bag and microwave it. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Sue – It takes a little trial and error to get it right but after that it’s always the same system. Very fresh and plain and healthy! Hugs, Holly
I love popcorn made on the stove. That’s how my dad would make every time its the best! thanks for sharing at Meet the Neighbors! 🙂
Hi Gracie – Thank you for sharing and for the sweet memories. Hugs, Holly
I make popcorn on the stove now. Microwave popcorn now leaves this film in my mouth. It’s disgusting. I don’t know why. Thanks for sharing at Turn It Up!
Hi April – Yeah, those are the chemicals. Thanks for the solidarity! Hugs, Holly
We love our popcorn and movies!! Thanks for linking up to BOTW party!! Nichi – The Mandatory Mooch
Hi Nichi – There is nothing more comfy than popcorn and movie night! Hugs, Holly
Love love popcorn. I switched to the in the bag method too. Its so easy
Hi Jennifer – Thanks for stopping by to comment. Sometimes I add a little something to the bag popcorn, but usually I enjoy it plain. Hugs, Holly
We are big popcorn eaters around here! I have an air popper & a special bowl that goes in the microwave. I need to try these other methods!
Thanks for linking up to Hit Me With Your Best Shot! Hope you link up again this week!!
Hi Shelly – Thank you for visiting and I love this new party! We’re gearing up for a snow day today so popcorn is on the menu! Hugs, Holly
I had no idea you could do your own in the microwave! We make it quite often on the stove but now we have the quicker snack option. Thanks Holly 🙂 You always have such great stuff to share!
Hi Kristina & Millie – It takes some experimenting to get it right but it’s worth it for the fresh taste! Hugs, Holly