My passion for popcorn knows no bounds. I see a bag full of kernels of organic corn and my mind begins to marvel at the possibilities! I will now share with you some of the best ways to season and enjoy a heaping bowl full of popping corn.
To truly enjoy homemade popcorn, you should really get yourself an air-popper. Air popping is clean, easy, and safe, making a popcorn snack ridiculously convenient. Some people may also be more inclined to go for the air popper to avoid calories from oil. Valid, however the things I like to pile on my air-popped popcorn sort of negates this positive. I got my air-popper on Ebay and have a retro one from like the ’70s, but they also sell air-poppers for under twenty bucks at many retailers. (There is also something going on with people using air-poppers for coffee roasting?)
Popping on the stove oil works, and I’d recommend vegetable oil or peanut oil. Popping on the stove of course requires you to pay more attention to avoid burning the pan and popcorn and I find the challenge of finding the right temp and length to the pop the corn has an annoying learning curve that air poppers circumvent altogether.
Something I was surprised to learn is that popcorn kernels can go stale. You should keep them in an air-tight container and they will keep even better if you freeze them. I also think the organic kernels taste better. While you can find an organic white popcorn kernel variety and any health store and many supermarkets, getting fancy and checking out different flavors in other gourmet organic options including Shamen Blue and Goldenrod as offered by Riehle’s Select Popcorn to order online.
Once you have an air popper, making a popcorn snack literally takes under five minutes. Put popcorn popper on counter, fill with kernels, pop corn, sprinkle or drizzle with toppings. Done!
My favorite toppings include:
- Melted Earth Balance
- Goya’s Adobo seasoning
- Nuritional Yeast (Try it before you knock it.)
- Melted Earth Balance mixed with Hot Sauce for a fun kick!
Check out some of the Popcorn of the Day original recipes offered at Founding Farmers. This place looks awesome! They also work with Compassion Over Killing to offer a vegan menu. Totally going next time I’m in DC!
