Healthy Popcorn

I have been told for years that popcorn is healthy. Of course the butter and salt people put on popcorn is not so healthy. And healthy microwave popcorn is not cheap. So what should a person do?

Well, I thought about getting an air popper for popcorn. But I decided it wasn't worth the money because we don't make enough popcorn regularly enough to make the investment worth the cost. Plus, I have no place to store it.

Instead, I did an online search of my favorite recipe sites and discovered something "Cool!" Did you know, you can make regular popcorn (air popper popcorn seeds) in the microwave, without all the chemicals the company adds? Yep, it is great!

Take a lunch bag. One of those brown paper bags that are super cheap. Put about 1/4 cup of popcorn seeds into the bag. Fold the bag's top edge a couple of times to keep it closed. Place it in the microwave (standing upright, not on its side). Set the timer for 3-5 minutes. Wait, listen, smell the fresh popcorn, and open the door when the popping stops. (just like making prepackaged microwave popcorn.) No grease or oil needed.

Once the popcorn is popped, you may season it as you prefer. There are many popcorn seasonings on the market, but they add fat along with flavor. Some people like spicy popcorn with Greek seasoning or Lawry's seasoning salt. If there is a butter/margarine that you trust, you can melt some and add for "buttery" flavor. When the popcorn is plain, it is a blank flavor canvas, you can add whatever you prefer. (the optional additions will decide the fat content)

Popcorn is gluten free. Filling and easy. It is also very cheap when you just buy the kernels.

One of the recipes my family REALLY like is Peanut Butter Popcorn:

1/2 cup peanut butter (we use the chunky kind)
1/4 cup sugar (you could substitute honey)
1/2 tsp vanilla
Optional: To thin the mixture and have it cover more popcorn, I add 1/2 cup safflower oil.

Heat in a saucepan until well mixed and melted thoroughly, then pour over the popped popcorn. Stir the popcorn to get an even coating on all the pieces. And serve, preferably a bit warm.

Viola, yummy peanut butter popcorn, made fresh at home! Enjoy!