National Popcorn day

Mmmm…. The smell of freshly popped popcorn as you enter the movie theatre. Tell me, who does not like popcorn? Surly this is a worthy day to celebrate. 😊 And so they called it Popcorn day. Who knows who the clever person was to pop a corn kernel, but high five!!

There are so many interesting ways to enjoy this light snack. So, let’s start with the basics before we celebrate national popcorn day.

First you will need some freshly popped popcorn. There are different ways to pop these babies, but I mainly use two ways. Stovetop or microwave.

I prefer to use the stovetop though. The taste is so much better. The microwave tends to dry out the popcorn. This is when you use kernels, not the ready to use types that you buy from the shops. And don’t get me started on air popped popcorn. I yet to taste popcorn popped this way that you don’t need a full glass of water after each handful to get them down. I find that these ones are extremely dry.

Traditional Stovetop popcorn

Start by heating a little bit of sunflower oil in a large pot. Use enough oil to cover the base of the pot. Also remember to use a pot with a lid. Otherwise you will have popcorn flying all over your kitchen. (Fun to watch when you are a little kid, not as much fun if you are the one cleaning 😊 )

When the oil is hot, add the popcorn kernels. Follow the quantities mentioned on your packet of kernels. This usually gives you a guideline on how much to use in ratio with the amount once popped. I use about ½ cup of kernels. This gives around a big bowl full of popcorn. Just right for our family.  Otherwise just add in enough popcorn kernels to cover the base of the pot in a single layer. I find this also works well. It usually almost fills up the pot with popped kernels.

When your kernels are in the hot oil. Put the lid on the pot. Regularly lightly shake your pot to mix the kernels around in the pot. This helps especially when the kernels start to pop. It keeps the pop kernels at the top, while the uncooked ones stay on the pot base and close to the heat. Keep your pot on the stovetop until most of the kernels has popped. Remember that not all of them will always pop.

Microwave popcorn

(Probably a Healthier choice)

Use a large brown bag. Add in a heaped tablespoon of coconut oil.  Now add in your popcorn kernels. Just remember that this is more like a one person serving size.  Seal the top of the bag by folding it over twice of three times for good measure.  The fold does not have to be big, one cm or two will do.  Give your bag a shake.
Set your microwave on high and pop for 3-5 minutes. You will have to listen to the popcorn pop in the microwave, very similar to the ones you buy in the shop. Generally, if you can count to 5 between the pops your popcorn should be done.  The time you cook them will differ according to the temperature of your microwave.

Fun ways to dress up your popcorn this popcorn day.

Party mix popcorn

What you will need:

Large bowl of pop and salted popcorn
Large bag of M&M’s or similar candies
Bag of almonds
Bag of Pretzels.

What to do:

Simply mix all the ingredients together and serve.

This is a great party snack. You will be surprised how nice the mix between sweet and salty goes together. You can mix pretty much anything onto the popcorn. This is a very versatile and fun mix.

Caramel popcorn

The store bought once taste nice, but just try to make you own. The are easy to make. And has a great taste. I like using this recipe for school fundraisers or sending little treats for school bake sales they are always a great hit. https://www.livingdelish.com/12-fun-treats-for-the-kids/

Popcorn balls

This great combination of popcorn and marshmallows makes a great treat. They are always a winner at kids’ parties. Adults and kids alike love them. https://www.livingdelish.com/12-fun-treats-for-the-kids/

I hope that you found some nice inspiration to celebrate such a well used snack…. Happy Popcorn day!

Please share your favourite ways to enjoy popcorn, I would love to hear your ideas.