Popcorn is in the news and it's good news for lovers of this popping snack! Apparently it contains polyphenols (natural antioxidants that occur in plants) a word of caution though, it is also a powerhouse of energy which needs to be burnt off and if we lace it with less healthy trimmings like toffee, butter and salt, it's definitely best eaten in moderation.
I remember discovering the magic of popcorn making. I came home from school age 7 or so and my brothers had made it with my mum. They vividly and enthusiastically described that you have to keep the lid on and how it bangs against the saucepan. The modern day swelling bag of microwave popcorn is interesting but definitely not as dramatic.
In a 1.59 euro bag of popcorn there's lots of magic and munching! I stand the kids out of arm's reach of the hob to watch and listen. You can't be too careful though and while I turned to get the bowl one day the Happy One did shuffle over and manage to touch the hob, it was minor but now I have everything to hand before I start. (one more advantage for induction hob owners!)
Put enough sunflower oil in a large saucepan to just cover the base.
Add popcorn so that the kernels are in a single layer on the oil.
Put the saucepan on a high heat. Shortly after it starts to sizzle the first kernel will pop. To please the kids it's worth allowing a few to fly out of the saucepan!
Put on the lid, turn down the heat, and shake the saucepan vigorously and regularly to avoid it burning.
When you can count to ten between pops remove the saucepan from the heat and pour straight into a large bowl (leaving it in the hot saucepan will allow it to burn.)
As if popcorn flying around the kitchen wasn't exciting enough, eating a snack you helped make and that jumps and pops is fun too! We like to break up a wet afternoon with this one.
PS. Frugal too... cheaper than microwave popcorn!
Comments