I have two shocking revelations for you about popcorn.
- Butter and salt is not the only way you can eat it
- It certainly does NOT have to come from a bag in the microwave
Seriously, stop buying bags of microwaveable popcorn. Wherever you can find microwave popcorn, you can buy bags of popping corn. Shockingly, I get mine at Trader Joe’s – $3.99 for a bag that will last for ages. Just 1/2 cup of kernels will pop enough corn to fill a giant bowl to serve at your party. To pop, all you need is a small lidded stockpot and a little bit of oil. And you know what? It is super fun. You get the kernels in the hot oil, put the lid on, and shake it continuously until the pot is filled with corn. I’m telling you, try it once and you’ll never go back. The best part is it leaves you a canvas on which to unleash your culinary artwork… by which I mean you can dress it with whatever you want.
The most important tip I can give about popping your own corn is that no matter what you plan to do with your corn (savory or sweet), the first thing you do when you’re done popping is add salt. I love Kosher salt, in fact it’s the only salt I use to cook, BUT it is not the best salt for popcorn. Too coarse. What you need is regular old table salt. I believe they may actually sell popcorn salt, but the starving artist says don’t waste your money. If all you have is coarse salt, just throw some in your food processor and pulse until it’s fine.
One of my favorite things to do with popcorn is make it sweet. I toss it with salt, butter, and a mixture of sugar, cinnamon, and ginger. It’s totally addicting. I served this at my friend’s halloween party and I had to make a second batch because everyone mowed through the first bowl. People will freak out. Like with the salt, you want to make sure your sugar is a fine ground. Some organic sugars (like what they sell at Trader Joe’s) is more coarse than regular sugar. If that’s the case, do the same thing with the salt – throw it in your processor and pulse until fine.
Anyone have any fun unique ways to use and/or dress up popcorn?
Cinnamon Ginger Popcorn (PDF Recipe)
6 comments
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I have also recently discovered that you can microwave popcorn and thereby avoid the oil…which is helpful for dieters. I put 1/4 cup of kernels in a paper lunch bag, roll the top, and nuke for 2 minutes, 10 seconds. Voila! Fresh and so much better than the pre-bagged stuff.
wow! I had no idea. Definitely going to try this one. Very starving artist! thanks for this
Oh, you’re welcome! This popcorn business reminded me of my granddaughter (age 14) who was astonished when I made iced tea. She thought it only came in cans! Too much industrialization of food, I think. 🙂
Great post! I love making kettle corn by throwing in coconut sugar and salt while the pot is still hot. Also curry powder for a spicy savory treat.
lovely ideas! I’ll put coconut on anything. Eventually I’ll devote a whole week to things to do with popcorn – it really is limitless. Thanks for sharing!