Let’s Make Some Homemade Air-Popped Popcorn!
Whose kid doesn’t love popcorn? Whether at the movies, at home, in the car, at a park, or just about anywhere. Every mom knows that popcorn is one of the most loved and easy snacks for kids. Have you ever popped your own popcorn though? It tastes delicious and you actually feel good about making it this way. Plus it is healthy and a perfect after-school snack or snack to take to go!
But why would you want to pop your own popcorn if you can just buy some at any supermarket? Well, the problem is that most commercial popcorn brands are high in trans fats, doused with artificial flavors, and the corn used is from crops that are sprayed with toxic chemicals. Additionally, the bags used for microwaving popcorn are coated with a chemical that breaks into cancer-causing agents.
I do not mean to scare you, and of course, this doesn’t mean your kid can never have commercial popcorn, however, when possible try to swap the commercial version for this easy to make version. The trick is to allow the popcorn kernels to come to an even temperature before popping, which results in much fewer un-popped kernels and burnt kernels. Plus, this is a fun family activity in the kitchen that your kids will get excited about!
Air-Popped Popcorn Recipe
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients:
1/4 cup organic popcorn kernel
Coconut oil or organic butter (roughly 2 tbsp.–enough to coat the bottom of the pan)
Sweet Version Topping: mix: 2 tbsp. cocoa powder, 1 tbsp. coconut sugar, pinch salt
Salty Version Topping: mix: 1/4 cup nutritional yeast, 2 tsp sea salt, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp paprika, and 1/2 tsp cumin.
Directions:
1. Heat the oil or butter in a 3-quart thick-bottomed saucepan over medium-high heat. If you are using coconut oil, allow all of the solid oil to melt.
2. Put 3 or 4 kernels in the pan and wait until one pops, then pour 1/3 cup of popcorn in the pan and cover it.
3. Cover the pot, remove from heat for 30 seconds.
5. Return the pan to the heat. The popcorn should begin popping. As they pop, make sure you shake the pan to allow the steam to escape from the lid and prevent the popcorn from burning.
6. Remove popcorn from the pan when the popping stops and season as desired. Enjoy!
This is a simple, fun, and healthy way to get your kids involved in the kitchen. Plus, the kids find it fascinating to hear and watch the kernels pop. Have fun creating family memories with this recipe!
