Earlier this summer I posted an article, 11 Things You Should Buy Organic. In response to the mention of popcorn, my friend Kelly linked me to a recipe for Plain Brown Popper popcorn. From our original article on things you should buy organic:
4. Popcorn – This was an eye opener for me….avoid microwave popcorn. Apparently the lining contains a chemical that keeps the popcorn from sticking to the bag. There is evidence that this chemical is linked to cancer among other things. We have movie night every weekend at home with microwave popcorn. I guess I’ll need to get an air popper or make it the old fashioned way on the stove!
I’ve been reluctant to try this Plain Brown Popper recipe because my family loves their movie theatre butter microwave popcorn (and it’s possible that by “my family” I mean myself as well…possibly :-)). I’ve already changed so much on them (me), that I wasn’t sure how receptive everyone would be to a healthier popcorn option.
But this weekend I took the plunge. We all plopped down to watch Rio for weekly family movie night, and the hubby says to me, “are you going to make us this healthy popcorn or what?” Er…um, I guess. Gulp.
Ingredients include 1/4 cup popcorn kernels, 2 teaspoons olive oil, salt of some sort to taste (popcorn salt is the best, but I used Kosher salt because that’s all I had), and a brown paper bag (hold the chemical, carcinogen liner, thank you very much).
Place popcorn, olive oil and salt in paper bag and shake to coat. Fold over top of bag a couple times. Now pay attention…place bag on top of a plate or paper towel, otherwise you will not be happy with what is left behind in your microwave!
Put in microwave and pop for 2-3 minutes. While waiting, take a sip (or two) of wine…
When popping slows, it is done. I burned my first batch at about 2-1/2 minutes (could have been the extra sips of wine). For my second batch, I stopped the microwave at 2 minutes and it was perfect. So it’s kind of important to stand there and listen to the popping.
I ended up spritzing with more olive oil and sprinkling a little more salt after it was done popping. Today I doubled the recipe and it popped right on out of the bag. So stick to 1/4 cup or use something bigger than a lunch bag!
Oh and the best part? Everyone liked it!! I was shocked! In fact, the bag I popped today was at the request, yes I said request, of the hubby for a snack. Here is the original recipe:
As you can see, it calls for jalapeno seasoning mix, which this family is not down with at all, but I imagine I’ll be experimenting with different flavors in the future. The possibilities are endless! :-)
Eat healthy!
Yay! So glad you tried it and it was a hit! Another benefit I’ve noticed? Doesn’t have that characteristic stink of microwave popcorn! 🙂