Popcorn on the Stove

Here’s a snack my husband taught me how to make right after we got married… I'd never known you could make popcorn without a popcorn popper or the microwave! Not only is it cheaper, it is healthier than the alternative, too. (And to think I used to not even like popcorn…)

Popcorn – Stovetop Style:
(aka super cheap snack)

Use a medium size saucepan/pot with a lid.
Put in ¼ cup oil (should cover the bottom) and 3 popcorn kernels.
Cover with lid.
Heat over medium to medium-high heat.
Listen for the kernels to pop.
When all 3 have popped, you know the oil is the right hotness.

Pour in 1/3 cup popcorn kernels.
Swirl pan so nearly all kernels are in the oil. Recover with lid.
When the kernels start popping, shake the pan nearly continuously, while keeping it on the heat, so that un-popped kernels fall to the bottom of the pan to pop.
When the popping slows, remove from heat and pour into a bowl.
It is better to remove from the heat a little too early and have a few old maids (un-popped kernels) than to have burnt popcorn.

(If you do this often, you will get the hang of it easily and know just when to take the pan off the heat. But if you overcook a batch while learning, oh well, it costs only pennies!)

Salt to taste.

Good job!
Fresh popcorn, free of artificial colorings and flavorings.
It only takes a few minutes – hardly any longer than microwave.

Other flavor choices:
-Shake parmesan cheese over top of popped popcorn.
-Add sugar to the oil after the kernels to make kettle corn.
-Pour melted butter over it.
-Here’s a link if you want to make it caramel.

Go visit Make-It-Yourself Monday for more money saving ideas. Don’t forget to post your own recipe that you use and leave a link to it there if you wish!