I need popcorn help.

[complain jane]

I've been wanting to try real popcorn on the stove as opposed to the microwave version. Since the RNC Convention is on for a few nights, I thought there's no better time than the present to make popcorn.

According to Google it's not rocket science; its just putting a layer of kernels in a pot with some oil. I can handle that much.

Where I need help is in what to put on the popcorn - I was inundated with ideas online. So many creative ideas.

Chocolate? Lemon zest? Garlic and herb? What should I do?

[Tobin S.]

1. Just salt and enjoy.

[trueblue2007]

5. Salted popcorn. HEAVENLY. But ::: i have congestive heart failure and i am on low sodium

what a bummer. my favorite salted popcorn is no more. i use MRS. DASH seasonings.

[blogslut]

2. Melted butter with a little salt is pretty darned tasty.

But, hey. You've got four grueling days to experiment. Some powdered garlic and parmesan might be nice.

[Fla Dem]

10. That's my fav. Real butter and salt. Doesn't get much better.

Sometimes sticking to the tried and true is best. Some things don't need changing.

[liberal N proud]

3. Butter - REAL butter melted over it while still hot

[TexasBushwhacker]

7. Yup, gotta be real butter n/t

[Kali]

13. even better if you foam the butter till just barely changing color.

OMG

and thanks to the OP for posting this on the day I am starting a change of eating habits. grrrr

OK I can have a bowl but it just needs to be cereal one and not a huge mixing bowl

[OriginalGeek]

17. My wife when I make a bag of popcorn: "Oh you made us popcorn?"

Me: "Us?"
*sighs, hands her bag, goes back into kitchen to make another one*


OP, I've tried all kinds of things but I always come back to salt and butter. The only other possible thing I could imagine wanting is caramel but that's a hot, sticky mess. Much like the RNC.

[demmiblue]

4. Olive oil (or butter), dill and parm. n/t

[hibbing]

6. my suggestion..get a Whirlypop

Can pop up a whole bunch using like a teaspoon of oil. Hardly any old maids. I have no personal or commercial interest in the company.

http://www.whirleypopshop.com/stovetop-poppers.html



Peace

[haele]

8. We like to sprinkle Old Bay or curry powder in just before it starts popping.

Another favorite is the green can parmesan cheese instead of salt - whatever you add, you have to ensure you do it while the oil on the popped corn is still hot, or you lose a lot of your topping.

Haele

[greendog]

9. Soy sauce and nutritional yeast.

I use a spray bottle for the soy sauce.

[irisblue]

11. butter, salt and a small piece of chocolate w/ each mouthful.

[Avalux]

12. Get white popcorn - the kernels are softer and I think it tastes better.

I usually put enough oil in the bottom of a saucepan to cover it. Then I drop in a few kernels and let it sit on high (I have an electric stove). Once one of those kernels pop I pour the rest in, enough to cover the bottom. Then I wait a minute or so and when it starts to go off, shake away.

I prefer to top it with good ol' melted butter and salt.

[complain jane]

14. Thank you for all the suggestions!

Butter/salt seems to be the fav here so I'll simply go with that but I love the chocolate on the side idea. Gotta be dark chocolate for me. Maybe with almonds. Hmm... maybe I'll skip the popcorn.... ha. NO - better yet, I'll make the popcorn tomorrow night, bring home the dark chocolate, skip the stupid RNC and watch a movie with my new heavenly snack!

Thank you!

[R B Garr]

15. We make it in the wok. It's the perfect size for the amount we make. Try parmesan cheese

on it -- so good.

Put about 2 Tblsps. oil in the wok. Put an unpopped kernel or two in until they pop to make sure the oil is hot enough.

Pour about 1/2 cup in the wok and cover. Roll around on the burner until the popping stops.

Melt a couple Tblsps. butter in the microwave. It makes a huge bowl, so that's not a lot of butter for that amount of popcorn.

Sprinkle with salt and parmesan. Yum. One of our favorites. Sometimes we put chili powder on it, too.

Great thread. Next up I want to try some sweetened popcorn. Melt some brown sugar in the butter and pour over...? Something like that.

Enjoy your popcorn! (oh, I see you have a pot in mind to use for the popping...we just tried it in the wok and are hooked on the size, etc.)

[sl8]

22. WRT sweetened popcorn

Try adding the sugar to the oil, before popping.

Kettle corn:
http://allrecipes.com/recipe/20808/kettle-corn/

[R B Garr]

24. That is awesome! Thank you. I'm going to try that really soon.

Looking forward to it.

[panader0]

16. I use an air popper--no oil needed

That way I can use more butter.
But I have been laying off the PC because of my teeth...

[underahedgerow]

18. Sugar! OMG sweet and salty popped corn is flippin' awesome.

one of my favorite things. Nom.

[onecent]

19. Put a mixture of Velveeta and butter. Be careful, it is hot!

[GoCubsGo]

20. A little bit of butter and some jalapeno salt.

Also good on sweet corn.

[Blue_Tires]

21. Either Cajun or Old Bay seasoning

thank me later

[Mendocino]

23. Smoked Paprika

but go light, too much not so good.

Sautee very finely chopped garlic in your butter, touch of oregano

chili powder

[lame54]

25. coconut oil