How to Make Popcorn in the Microwave

When it comes to snacks, I am a person who prefers salty over sweet. I would much rather eat some salted nuts, or pretzels as opposed to candy or cookies.  When you get a salty snack craving, popcorn is a great choice.  You might think that the quickest way to get your popcorn fix is to throw a bag of pre-packaged popcorn into the microwave and nuke it for a couple of minutes.  But packaged popcorn made for microwaves can be a little pricey when you consider how much (or, I should I say, how little) popcorn is actually in the microwave bag. There are only about 2, maybe 3 servings in a bag. Since THIS microwave popcorn can be made with or without oil, it’s a good, healthy snack (when you skip the butter.)

Recently, I read this article online that tells how microwave popcorn packaging contains diacetyl, which is harmless when eaten, but when heated to high temperatures, it can vaporize and become toxic. I’m not a chemist, but that doesn’t sound good to me!

This is a way to make a bowl of healthy popcorn quickly and without making a mess of your kitchen. You simply use a microwave safe, glass bowl and a regular microwave safe dinner plate that fits onto the top of the bowl! And unlike the brown paper bag method, this won’t burn down your kitchen!

Here’s how to do it:

In a medium-large size bowl, place 1/3 cup un-popped, popcorn kernals (Make sure they are fresh – if they are old, many won’t pop and it will leave you with a half a bowl of un-popped kernals)

Drizzle the kernals with 1/2 teaspoon vegetable oil (if desired, but it is not necessary.)

Stir to make sure all of the kernals are coated in the oil.

Cover the bowl with a microwave safe dinner plate that fits the top of the bowl and cook on high for approximately 3 – 3 1/2 minutes. (It may take more or less time depending on the power of your microwave.) It’ s fun if you use a clear bowl. The kids can watch it pop! The way to know when it’s done, is when the popping slows to about 2-3 seconds between pops. Turn the microwave off and remove the bowl USING HOTPADS!  Caution! It will be very hot! Carefully remove the plate from the top right away to allow the steam to escape, otherwise the steam will make the popcorn soggy.

Sprinkle with salt or other seasonings to taste. Discard any un-popped kernals before serving.

Note – If you have a lot of un-popped kernals, you can remove the fluffy popped popcorn and leave the un-popped kernals in the bottom of the bowl. Return to the microwave and follow the same procedure to pop them. Keep in mind that it won’t take long because they are already scorching hot! So just watch them closely and remove when the popping slows to 2 seconds.