You'll need:
- 1/4 Cup canola oil or coconut oil (these are best because their 'burn point' is high)
- 1/3 Cup popping corn
- 1/4 Cup granulated sugar (I used cane sugar. I tried brown once, but it burns easier.)
In a large pot, heat up the oil. Spread out the popcorn kernels in the oil. When about three of the kernels have popped, sprinkle the kernels and oil with sugar. Then put the lid on and continue popping the corn. Shake the pot 4 or 5 times, horizontally, then set it back on the element for about 5 seconds, then shake again, then heat again, and so on, until the popping slows down. Remove the lid and, while stirring the popcorn with the caramel that has formed, shake salt over all.This snack comes courtesy of our 'No Microwave' experiment. Certain I can live without it, I hauled that beastly microwave into the basement a couple weeks ago, so I could free up some premium counter-top. I'm having some interesting adventures in thawing and reheating food in the oven and on the stovetop. But I think I'll get the hang of it.
I know there must be tasty variations of stove-top popcorn. Any ideas? If you manage without a microwave, please share your methods!
Why are you trying to do without a microwave? Is it an environmental thing, health thing, nutrient issue or is it just old and dying? I've never been clear on why people do without.
ReplyDeleteWe just pop our popcorn with air popper courtesy of thrift shop. We also loved one of those stove top popper thing with the handle that rotates inside the pot. We love coconut oil, salt and little lemon extract (use one that's most natural) with our popcorn.
ReplyDeleteEvelyn, it's mainly a space-on-my-counter-top thing. We didn't seem to be using the microwave much anyway, so I didn't want it taking up space. Is it unhealthy or un-environmentally friendly? Not sure.
ReplyDeleteKiko- I'd never have thought about using lemon extract! How do you get it onto the popcorn evenly- melt it with the oil?
oh coconut oil...I'll have to try that one!(=
ReplyDeleteI have read somewhere that microwave popcorn packets have some health concerns. Perhaps check out EWG. (Environmental Working Group?) As for the microwave, I don't know if it's unhealthy but in our 7x8 ft kitchen it seems to take up too much space. Any ideas for us as we approach our reno? I don't think I'm brave enough to nix it altogether.
Hugs, Sandra
Thanks Ashley!
ReplyDelete~Carmen
Sandra, so far not missing the microwave for anything. Personally I prefer eating most leftovers cold, and the kids don't mind that either. Broil in the oven works, too, when we need that. Yeah, I'm thinking the microwave won't be coming back. Is your microwave on a countertop or mounted up out of the way?
ReplyDeleteYeah, I've heard the same concerns about microwave popcorn.
Carmen- you're welcome!
I have been popping popcorn on the stove since the new year when our air popper broke and I didn't want to use up cupboard space for a new one--- So GOOD! I haven't added anything but salt since noone else in the family seems to like fancy flavours.
ReplyDeleteAs for the microwave, I use mine a lot- but its mounted above the stove so space is not a problem.