Popcorn (Stove top)

Make popcorn on the stove just like our ancestors did “back in the olden days!” This recipe is easy, fast, and customizable.  There are hundreds of varieties of corn kernels to choose from, and each has their own unique flavor and texture.  

You can experiment with different oils too, for different flavors, but always make sure it’s a high-heat oil, so it doesn’t burn in the pan and taste yuck! 

And of course, allow an adult to cook the popcorn for you.  Once it’s done and transferred into a bowl, that’s when you can take over and add your favorite flavors. 

Tools:

·       Large pot with lid

·       Oven mitts or pot holders

·       Large serving bowl

Ingredients:

·       ½ cup popcorn kernels

·       2 TBSP high temperature cooking oil (avocado, coconut, sunflower, canola)

·       ½ stick of melted butter 

·       Seasonings of your choice (see below for suggestions)

Instructions:

1.     Add oil to the pot and place on stove over high heat. 

2.     Add the popcorn kernels and swirl to coat evenly in oil.

3.     Cover the pot with the lid.

4.     You should hear popping within a few minutes. Use the oven mitts to give the pot a good shake every now and then to ensure even cooking and prevent burning. 

5.     Once the popping slows down to nearly stopping, turn off the stove and remove pot from the heat.

6.     Let sit covered for 1 minute to make sure all the kernels are settled. 

7.     While waiting, melt butter in the microwave. Stir in any flavor suggestions from the list below, or whatever you choose to create!

8.     Pour into a large serving bowl. Drizzle in the melted butter and toss with any additional flavor toppings.

9.     Eat and enjoy!

Supper Easy Version:  Add 3 cups of already popped pocorn to a paper bag or bowl. Spray with cooking spray for 3 seconds, then add your seasonings. If using a bag, close it and SHAKE! If using a bowl, STIR! Now Eat 😊

Flavor Suggestions:

·       Easy and Yumm: Try adding 1 teaspoon of a taco or ranch packet to your popcorn. Sweet: add a few pinches of sugar free Jell-O (use your favorite flavor or a mix of two flavors!)

·       Spicy: 3-4 tsp of your favorite hot sauce in the melted butter

·       Herb and Cheese: ½ tsp rosemary and black pepper in the melted butter; top with ½ cup grated parmesan

·       Ranch Popcorn Seasoning: ½ tsp dried dill, ½ tsp dried chives, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp onion powder, ¼ tsp salt, ¼ tsp pepper - all in the melted butter

·       “Cheesy”: 2 Tbsp nutritional yeast, ¼ tsp garlic powder, ¼ tsp onion powder, ¼ tsp cumin, ¼ tsp paprika, ¼ tsp chili powder, ¼ tsp salt - all in the melted butter

·       Coconut Curry: 1 Tbsp unsweetened shredded coconut, ½ tsp curry powder, ¼ tsp salt - all in the melted butter

·       Cinnamon Sugar: 2 Tbsp powdered sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon, ¼ tsp salt - mixed and tossed in after butter

·       Gingerbread: 1 ½ Tbsp powdered sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon, ¼ tsp ground ginger, ¼ tsp ground cloves - mixed and tossed in after butter

·       Chocolate: 1 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 Tbsp powdered sugar - mixed and tossed in after butter

Nutrition Facts

Amount Per Serving 3 cups

·       Calories 110

·       Total Fat 4 g

·       Saturated Fat 2 g

·       Polyunsaturated Fat 0 g

·       Monounsaturated Fat 0 g

·       Cholesterol 0 mg

·       Sodium170 mg

·       Potassium 0 mg

·       Total Carbohydrate15g

·       Dietary Fiber 3 g

·       Sugars 0 g

·       Protein 2 g

·       Iron 4%    *Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.