Friday, April 13, 2007

Micro-Popcorn

I'm sure most of you have been doing this for years, but this is the first time I discovered it. And let me tell you, as soon as I figured it out, I made about 10 batches of this stuff, trying out different combinations of seasonings and sauces.

Did you know that you can make your own microwave popcorn? And not only can you make it flavorful and tasty, but you can also make it fairly healthy. All you have to do is take a small amount of oil, some seasonings, and some unpopped corn, throw it in a lunch bag, and microwave it. It comes out just as good, if not better, than the commercial stuff, but a lot healthier.

Micro-popcorn II

Micro-Popcorn, Cajun style
Makes about 5 cups popped

1/4 c popcorn kernels
1 tsp oil
1 tsp hot sauce
1/4 - 1/2 tsp salt or seasoning blend

Mix all ingredients in a bowl and pour into a brown paper lunch bag. Fold over the top twice and staple shut with 2 staples. (As a note - the metal staples will be fine in the microwave) Microwave on high for 2-3 minutes.

Some other great ideas: use soy sauce, worcestershire sauce, or minced garlic in place of the hot sauce. For the salt, try Old Bay, Adobo, Garlic salt, or any other fun seasoning salt.

Looking for more great snack ideas? Check these out:

Microtato Chips
After the salsa, this is the second most requested recipe from 28 Cooks. Not only are they absolutely delicious, but they are completely fat-free potato chips. I promise you - give them a try and you won't be disappointed.

Microtato Chips

Spiced Soynuts
Here's another good salty yet nutritious snack. Not only are they easy to make, but you can season them however you like. Great for packing into lunch bags for an afternoon snack.

Spiced Soynuts

Lentil Crunchies
These are a great high-in-protein snack. Perfect for those times you want something salty without the guilt.

Lentil Crunchies

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

great! thanks for the recipes.

Anonymous said...

Does the oil leak through the paper bag?

Unknown said...

Wow, I am so impressed! I made the popcorn today and second time round it worked absolutely perfectly! First time round I put it in for 2min 30 and it started smoking as I pulled it out - very little was salvageable from inside. But second time round I did it for 2 mins and it is just perfect :)

Jocelyn:McAuliflower said...

Also works well without oil and without a bag- just use a ceramic bowl with a plate on top.

Anonymous said...

How cool is that! I love the idea of the Lentil Crunchies...yum!

Linda said...

ive heard people talk about making popcorn this way but never knew exactly how. thanks a million. i've been wanting to know for years now!

leslie @ definitely not martha said...

mmmm....I loves me some snacks! Thanks for sharing! :)

Ellen said...

Mmm, this is awesome! I just made the popcorn right now. I'd never heard of it before, and I'm so happy! I eat so much popcorn, and always feel terrible about it since the bagged stuff is so unhealthy. So thank you!! I'll be trying many variations I'm sure (although the one you posted is great too, just the right amount of spice).

Anonymous said...

This fits right into my WW obsession of the moment!! Thanks!!!

Vanessa said...

what a fab tip! how come I didn't know this, for real?
just in time to help satisfy my craving for truffled popcorn (just top with truffle oil, salt, and some parmesan if you want. to DIE for.)

Anonymous said...

hmm..luv these munchies !! oo..that reminds me, time to get some cajun craw tater chips, yummy ! Thx for useful tip, by the way !:) hm..I like adding some crispy anchovies to my nuts hehe :)

jenny said...

wow. thanks for the popcorn recipe. i can't have butter and i've been struggling with microwave popcorn. the kettle corn fat-free was all i could have and anything except cinnamon or nutmeg kind of kills that. i appreciate this new take. i can now enjoy my spicy popcorn again (plus i don't have to go buy an air-popper).