Health

Healthy Recipe: Stove Top Popcorn

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By Rachel F. Johnson
    Anyone who knows my Mom knows that she loves popcorn! When we would get home from school, she would warm up the stove and make all of the kids a large pot of popcorn to share. Back then, I allowed the other kids to devour the entire bowl and enjoyed my own cup of sweet ice cream. Lately though, I have really been enjoying the salty snack! It is so easy to prepare and, since you are making it at home, you control what goes in it – this means less oil than many microwavable brands and a lot more flavor options. It is also much more cost efficient!
    The method for popping corn on the stove is listed below along with a few different flavor combinations. If you would like, you could make one large pot, separate it into different bowls and taste-test the flavors to see which one is your favorite!
Makes 5 (3 cup) Servings
6 Tbsp. Oil
1 cup + 2 Tbsp Popcorn Kernels
    Place a large pot over High heat (I use a 6 qt.) Pour in 6 Tbsp. oil of choice and allow to warm for about 1-2 minutes. Pour popcorn kernels on top and give the pot a good shake. The goal is to evenly distribute the kernels along the bottom of the pot. Place lid on top and slant it so that a small amount of air is able to escape. Wait to hear the pops! Once they start, you can shake the pot back and forth on the stove every 30 seconds or so to make sure all of the kernels are on the bottom and able to contact the oil. Once there is about a 10 second break between pops, remove from heat and season as you would like! Recommendations below! 
Clean Eats
Use olive oil and top with ½ tsp. salt – this is a great, fresh tasting pop!
Original
Use coconut or neutral-tasting oil and top with ½ tsp. salt and 2-2 ½ Tbsp. Unsalted Butter. 
Tex-Mex
Use canola or vegetable oil and top with ¼ tsp. salt, ¼- ½ tsp. of each cumin, chili pepper, and dried garlic. Squeeze a little lime juice on top for a zing. 2 Tbsp. Shredded fiesta cheese makes it even better!
Carnival Caramel
Use Coconut or neutral tasting oil. Top with 1 Tbsp. melted butter, 1 Tbsp. Vanilla Extract, 2 Tbsp. molasses or cane syrup and ½ tsp. cinnamon and salt. A few Tbsp. of dark chocolate chips are optional!
    If any Parents/Grandparents/Babysitters are looking for a fun activity to do with their toddlers through kindergarteners, this is it! It is a nearly mess-free option and the kids will love “popping” up with the noises – plus, you would both get to enjoy the snack you made together with much less mess than baking cookies would make!
Have fun & Enjoy!