Make Real Popcorn

While you do need some equipment and supplies, this easy-to-make popcorn will be the best popcorn you ever had. It only takes five minutes and after you taste it, you'll never go back to the microwave!

Steps

  1. Your popcorn maker should come with instructions on how much of the kernels it will pop. Most will even come with their own handy pre-measured scoop. Following the instruction for your specific popper, add the kernels.
  2. Turn on the machine. It will take time to heat up and start popping, so get yourself prepared in the mean time.
  3. Get a big bowl and place it under the chute where the popcorn comes out, then get out your salt and butter.
  4. In a microwavable dish, melt about 3/4 (or more to taste) of a stick of real butter. Depending on your microwave, about a minute should do it. Keep an eye on it, but don't let it boil over!
  5. When the butter is melted, take it out and stir it. Let it cool just a little while your popcorn finishes popping.
  6. When all the popcorn is done, turn off the machine slowly drizzle the butter over the popcorn. Do a little at a time, then stop to stir it up and add some salt. Taste test!
  7. Repeat step 6 until the popcorn is to your liking.
  8. Pour yourself a drink, grab a lot of napkins, pop in your favorite movie and enjoy.
  9. Finished.



Tips

  • If you add a little bit of oil to the butter it will not bubble and will melt slightly faster
  • As far as taste is concerned, most prefer lots of butter and lots of salt! The best popcorn salt is flake salt that is manufactured in the state of Michigan. Popcorn-concession vendors sell this very finely ground salt in a half dozen varieties.
  • You could substitute margarine for butter, but it may cause the popcorn to melt if the water content of the margarine is too high.
  • Try sprinkling garlic salt or parmesan cheese over your popcorn instead of butter for a lower-fat version.
  • Try sprinkling powdered butter or margarine instead of liquid butter or margarine. An advantage of using powders is that they will not make the popcorn soggy if too much liquid flavoring were applied. These powders can be purchased online in 36- or 44-ounce quantities, respectively, for about $7 per pound including S&H at year 2015 prices, if a purchase totals $50 or more.

Warnings

  • This popcorn is much more fattening than microwave popcorn, but it is worth it.

Things You'll Need

  • Popcorn popper/maker (the old one your parents might have lying around still work great!)
  • kernels (you can buy bags at a grocery store)
  • sticks of butter
  • salt
  • large bowl

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Sources and Citations