"homemade" microwave popcorn

My friends, this may change your life...well at least a little.  I grew up in a family who ate homemade popcorn at least 5 nights a week.  I have vivid memories of sitting next to my dad on the couch, watching tv, and snacking on popcorn before going to bed.  My mom always made it on the stove top with a heavy pot, a little oil, and popcorn kernals.  It's still my favorite way to eat popcorn, but I've found that unless you have just the right pot it doesn't turn out the same...plus microwave popcorn is just. so. easy! The bad thing about microwave popcorn is that it's full of chemicals and leaves a weird film on my mouth.  So when I read a small article in this month's Food Network magazine I knew I had to try it out.  If you have this magazine it's in the "ask Ellie" column.

So here's what you need: 

a brown paper lunch bag

1/4 cup popcorn kernals

1/2 tsp canola oil

1/4 tsp kosher salt (plus a little more to taste later)

Take the kernals, oil, and salt and mix them in a bowl.  Pour them into the bag and fold the top of the bag over about 3-4 times.  This may seem like a small amount of popcorn, but it really pops up to make about 4 cups of popped popcorn. 

Put it in the microwave and cook on high for 2 minutes; mine was finished in 1 minute 30 seconds.  You want to remove it once the popcorn stops popping...just like with microwave popcorn. 

Remove immediately and pour into a bowl.  Sprinkle with a pinch more salt and serve. 

I will say that I'm shocked at how good this is...it's truly the perfect snack!

Extras: you could also add the following to the finished popcorn...

m&m's

parmesan cheese

ground black pepper

spices

Comments

[danice]

I can't wait to try that! I love, love, love homemade popcorn in a pan but this sounds too easy not to try!

[Heather Q]

You have the most awesome recipes! I made your zucchini pasta sauce a couple weeks ago, it was delicious and tomorrow I'm going to try your chili recipe. I've put brown bags on my shopping list for the popcorn, my pan popcorn doesn't turn out too great! Can't wait to try it. Thanks for the great ideas, keep em coming!