Ok, so by now we’ve all heard that store-bought microwave popcorn is bad for us.  The bags apparently have some horrible thing in them and the chemicals actually on the popcorn are also terrible for us.  (if I was a better blogger I would’ve gone and looked up EXACTLY what those “horrible” things are, but I didn’t feel like it)  Here is an interesting article about some foods we need to avoid, microwave popcorn is among them (some of us had a good discussion about this article after I posted it on my Facebook page this week).  I do find it a tad discouraging that every week there is some new food or process that is found to be detrimental for consumers.  This leads me back to my conviction that if we just eat real, whole foods, we will be SO much better off.  I feel that even enjoying sweets or treats is okay in moderation, especially when homemade from real ingredients.  It’s the same reason I feel that eating butter, with its fat and calories, is so much better than eating fake, processed margarine.

On that note, I was thrilled to learn that I could still make microwave popcorn that is SO easy, but much healthier than the store-bought option.  I have never bought an air popper, but I’m sure that is also a good option.  I love the microwave method though because it is so fast, and I appreciate that I can control the flavorings and salt and calories of what goes on the popcorn.  And don’t forget popcorn is a whole grain – bonus!

Pay attention now, this process is complicated and you might not get it the first time.  Dump about a 1/4 cup popcorn kernels into a glass microwave proof bowl.

Place in microwave and cover.  (I use my plastic microwave cover, but you could probably use a paper towel or dish towel)

Set microwave for 4 minutes and when the kernels slow down their popping, remove the bowl (be careful, it does get hot!).

Season as desired.  How easy is that!?  I spritz some olive oil on mine and then sprinkle with salt and pepper.  Sometimes I sprinkle with a butter topping.  There are a lot of fun toppings out there, check your grocery store and go wild.  Don’t forget things like parmesean cheese, cinnamon sugar and any other toppings you love.  Of course you can go the traditional route and pour melted butter on top – there’s a reason that’s the most popular choice 🙂

I hope you give this process a try.  I’ll be back soon with a super easy caramel corn recipe, but I wanted to get this up for some of you who had asked about it.  (please forgive these pictures!  I made this popcorn in the evening after dark and the pictures just aren’t as good without natural light)

Homemade Microwave Popcorn

Pour 1/4 cup popcorn kernels in microwave proof bowl, glass is probably best.

Microwave for about 4 minutes.  Stop microwave when kernels slow their popping and you hear them infrequently.

Remove popcorn and season as desired.