I think I've mentioned that my microwave died (it actually caught on fire) well over a year ago, and I've never bothered to replace it. The only time I really miss it is when I have leftovers to reheat quickly, but not enough to run out and buy a new one. However, without a microwave, how are you supposed to make popcorn? When I was growing up (back in the olden days, as Griffin calls it), my Dad always popped popcorn on the stovetop. Sometimes he would even shake the popcorn in a big paper bag with powdered cheese...yum. I seriously don't think there is anything quite as good as stove-popped popcorn. Go and make yourself some!
The most fool-proof way to make it is to make sure your oil is properly heated before pouring all of your kernals in the pot. So, place 1-2 tablespoons of canola oil in a medium-sized pot over medium heat. Add just 3 kernals of corn to the pot, and cover with a lid. Now, just wait. No need to shake the pot just yet. When you hear those 3 kernals pop, the oil has heated sufficiently, and it is time to add approximately 1/3 cup of popcorn kernals. Once you've done that, shake the pan back and fourth across the burner, so the corn doesn't burn. Once the corn stops popping, remove from heat and pour into a large bowl.
Then, spoon that melted butter all over the popcorn, stirring to mix evenly.
Then, quickly lop off a couple of tablespoons of butter (please, do NOT use margerine) and add to the pan. You do not need to put the pan back on the burner...it is still plenty hot, and that glorious butter will sizzle and melt just fine.
Then, spoon that melted butter all over the popcorn, stirring to mix evenly. 
If you're feeling particulary froggy, steal the powdered cheese from a box of macaroni and cheese and sprinkle some of it over the buttery popcorn. Now, go snuggle up with a good movie and enjoy!
4 comments:
Very, very clever. I also have no microwave, by choice, but have popcorn machine which uses no oil. Of course, when the granddaughters use it they pour on the melted butter. I actually prefer it dry, with salt.
I have to have butter on my popcorn, Susan. I'd like to have an air popper too, though. The boys like to have this made for a snack, but I always end up eating it, too!
Very awesome I did this for years until I found my air popper at a yard sale. I have to say though there really is something so much more yummy and homey about stove popped popcorn.Try adding a few teaspoons of sugar after your kernels and get ready to shake it like crazy. End result some yummy yummy kettle corn! We love the cheese too. try Parmesan cheese sometime. If you can't tell popcorn is a big favorite around here we buy kernels in bulk (=
For me, this is the ONLY way to make popcorn! I have great memories of my mother popping corn like this for all of us, and to this day I prefer this method over microwave popcorn. Yummmm!
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