Homemade Popcorn

Homemade popcorn smells and tastes AMAZING and is loads of fun to do. It’s a great recipe to make with children. It’s really exciting when it starts to POP!  The only thing to remember is – KEEP THE LID ON!

Ingredients

Two tablespoons of vegetable or corn oil (these oils are best because they have a very light taste).

A packet of popcorn kernels (supermarkets and health food shops stock this.  It might be in the ‘Foods of the World’ section).  Note - for microwave popcorn, just follow the instructions on the packet!

Equipment

A large pan with a lid – one with a see-through lid is ideal

How to make your Homemade Popcorn

1. Put the oil into the pan.

2. Switch the hob onto a medium heat and heat up the oil.

3. The oil needs to be hot.   To see if it is hot enough, drop in two or three of the small kernels of popcorn to see if they begin to sizzle and pop.  When they do, the oil is hot enough.

4. Drop in a hand full of the popcorn (a little goes a long way).  Then put the lid on the pan and turn the heat down a little.     After a short while, you will hear a popping sound, followed by another, then another, then A LOT.

 
You’ll need to shake the pan to control the heat of the oil.  You may need oven gloves.

5. DO NOT TAKE THE LID OFF THE PAN!!!!!    Its going crazy in there. Carefully lift the pan off the heat and shake it from side to side.  You are moving the kernels around so they all getting heated equally.   Put the pan back on the heat for a 20 seconds or so and then shake it again.

6. When the popping has stopped, turn off the heat and carefully take the lid off the pan.  You will now have a pan FULL OF POPCORN!!!!

Homemade popcorn tastes great on its own, or just with salt, or just sugar.

If you are feeling more adventurous, try some of these other toppings:

Melted butter (use about a third of a block for a pan full of popcorn)

Melted butter and honey

Garlic butter

Melted butter, with sugar and cinnamon

Olive oil and lots of parmesan cheese (delicious!)

Recipes

If you’re having a movie night what could be better than Homemade Pizza and Homemade Coleslaw?

…and don’t miss the Popcorn Story!

Surprise Mamma Mia Party