Who doesn’t like popcorn? And yet, you might want to think twice before buying boxes of the microwaveable stuff. Many of them, aside from being pricey, are high in fat and calories from the flavoring and all. (Don’t even get me started on movie popcorn and its perils!)
Most people don’t seem to realize how amazing, easy and inexpensive it is to freshly pop your own popcorn. No, you don’t need a popcorn machine – all you need is a pot or pan and a bag of kernels. I recently purchased an 80 cent bag of popcorn kernels. According to the nutrition information and serving sizes, that small bag that cost me less than a dollar will yield 44 cups of popcorn.
Seems hard to believe until you start popping, which is when you will realize that a few spoons of kernels are all you need. (Follow instructions on the bag and try to avoid popping too much! It will be tempting to think the small number of kernels couldn’t possibly be it.) Add oil (olive would be the healthy choice) and a single kernel to the pot or pan over a flame, covered. When the single kernel pops, the pot/pan is ready. Add all of your kernels, keep it covered and pop! (This should be fun with kids, or for those of you who remember Jiffy Pop foil skillets over the stove.)
The best part is you can flavor your popcorn with whatever you like:
- Salt and pepper
- Butter
- Garlic salt
- Parmesan cheese
Now, doesn’t 80 cents for at least 20+ popcorn sessions – that are much healthier than processed popcorn with artificial flavoring – sound like a good deal?
‘s cookbook entitled The Vegetarian 5-Ingredient Gourmet. The cover of the book says, “250 Simple Recipes and Dozens of Healthy Menus for Eating Well Every Day.”