There is nothing like the sounds and smell of freshly popped popcorn! Crunchy, fluffy, hot and delicious freshly popped popcorn. We can’t think of a better snack. After all, it’s also 100% whole grain, naturally low in calories, and filled with fiber! Everyone knows air-popped is the healthiest way to go, but definitely not the tastiest. But we know the secret to making popcorn pop in nutritious, delicious and unexpected ways, right in your own kitchen! So stock your pantry cabinet with kernels and lets get popping!

Stovetop Popcorn

3 tablespoons of canola oil

1/3 cup of popcorn kernels

3-quart pot with a lid

Heat 3 tablespoons of canola oil in a 3-quart pot over medium-high heat, with 4 kernels in the pot. Cover with a lid and wait until you hear all four kernels pop. Now you oil is hot enough to pop corn!  Remove the pot from the heat, and add 1/3 cup of kernels to the hot oil in an even layer. Return the pot to the heat, and gently shake it back and forth over the burner. Soon, your kernels will begin to rapidly pop. Once the popping slows down, remove the lid and pour your popped corn into a large bowl before adding toppings.

DIY Microwave Popcorn Bags

1 lunch-sized brown paper bag

1/2 cup of popcorn kernels

1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil

In a bowl, drizzle a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil on ½ cup of popcorn kernels, sprinkle with salt, and stir to coat. Open the brown paper bag, and pour in the kernels. Fold down the top of the bag two times, place it seam side down on a microwave-safe plate, and lightly pat down the bag. Microwave your popcorn on high for around three minutes, or until the popping slows down. Using a potholder, carefully remove the hot plate from the microwave, open the bag, and pour the contents into a large bowl before adding toppings.

Popcorn Toppings (Besides Salt and Butter)

Grated Parmesan Cheese

Garlic Powder and Grated Parmesan Cheese

Fresh Rosemary, Black Pepper and Grated Parmesan Cheese

Chili Powder and a Twist of Lime

Ranch Seasoning and Chopped Chives

Crumbled Bacon (reserve the oil for cooking your corn!)

Crumble Blue Cheese and Slivered Almonds

Sea Salt and Malt Vinegar

Curry Powder and Raisins

Smoked Paprika

Lemon Zest and a Twist of Lemon

Cinnamon and Sugar

Cinnamon and Dried Apples

Pumpkin Pie Spice and Pecans

Shredded Coconut and Dried Pineapple

Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips

Candy Pieces

Butterscotch Chips and Dried Cranberries

Mini Marshmallows

Roasted Peanuts

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