Did you ever think you could use those basic brown lunch bags for anything other than a sack lunch, or maybe a cute way to wrap a gift? Think again, my friends! Add this to your list…Microwave Popcorn! Yep! Perfectly popped in that simple little bag!
We all know we could do without the preservatives that are in the packaged brands. How can imitation butter flavoring be good for you? Or what about citric acid and paprika “coloring”? What? Yep, that’s what I read on just one of the microwave popcorn boxes at the market…not to mention the greasy buildup lining the bag, and your hands, once you dig in!
Customize your own with a little bit of oil and your own seasoned salt. Salt that you know what’s in it! You can spend $2.99 or more for one box of 6 packages of artificially flavored microwave popcorn. OR you can buy 100 standard size lunch bags for $2.07 at Target and 32-ounces of popcorn kernels on Amazon for under $3.00! (There are about 27 servings in that bag, my friends. If you do the math, that is less than $3 for 27 servings!)
Go ahead…give yourself a couple minutes and try the recipe below! You will be amazed at how much you can make with just the small amount of popcorn needed. Want to add a little popcorn fun to a snack time treat? Use this simpler way to pop the kernels in Smitten Kitchen's Buttered Popcorn Cookie recipe!
If you want to add a little fun to the fun and are hosting a fun movie night with friends, how about this! Add a little cuteness...get your craft on! Working at Sizzix, I always love to add some creativity to everything I do! Grabbing my Big Shot die cutting machine, one of my favorite Where Women Cook box dies and some cute SEI patterned papers....look how cute these look! All filled with the white fluffy pops of goodness!
So come on... pop some up! Choose a movie and enjoy a bowl or a cute little box of popcorn in the comfort of your own home! I guarantee you’ll enjoy it more and you’ll be happy with the money you saved!
Microwave Popcorn
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup popcorn kernels
- 1/4 teaspoon olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt, or less,, get creative here, use any salt you like, seasoned, garlic, etc.
- 1 standard size brown paper lunch bag
Instructions
- Place popcorn kernels in a small bowl.
- Add olive oil and mix well.
- Add salt and mix.
- Pour kernel mixture into the paper bag.
- Fold top of bag down 1” then again.
- Microwave on full power 3 minutes. Microwaves vary, so yours may be more or less.
- Listen for the popping. Once popping has a stopped for couple of seconds, it’s done. Careful not to let it burn!
Notes
Gr8 Tip:
Although you may have a few loose, unpopped kernels left in the bag, do not continue to pop. This will scorch the already popped kernels.
Debbie
Hi Janice! I have been wanting to try the kettle corn idea too! Salty sweet is my favorite combo! Let me play with it or ask around and let you know what I find or hear! I love playing with the different herbs and spices! It's Gr8 to experiment and customize per person's taste! Thanks Janice!
Janice M. Salotti
Does anyone know of a way to make it kettle popcorn? We enjoy the sweet salty taste and would like to try this. Thank you.
Debbie
Thank you so much Deb. Your comment made my day! Now, the idea of adding garam masala, you have piqued my interest! I have that in my cupboard and sounds like a GR8 tip! How about Za'atar? I used that spice recently for something else and have loved it ever sense! We'd love to hear what you try and see a pic! Thanks so much for your support!
Deb Knaff
The other nice thing about this recipe is that your seasoning options are limitless such as parmesan, chili pepper, garlic, etc. I have always wanted to experiment with popcorn and gram masala. Now, I might just have to step up to the microwave and try it out! Thanks for this wonderful cost-savings tip!!!!
Debbie
Hi Anne! This is such an easy popcorn recipe! The best part is you know how healthy it is because YOU are adding the ingredients! Any of your favorite seasoning salts (I have rosemary salt that is perfect!) add the right tough. I plan on trying something with a spicy kick next time! Let us know what you come up with! Thanks for your support! Have fun in the kitchen!
Anne
This looks amazing! I love microwave popcorn and this seems so easy!
Debbie
Hi Lon, This popcorn is fun, easy and healthy too! If you have a themed party and you're serving the popcorn, there are so many cute papers to use for the boxes! Thanks for your support!
Debbie
That's a Gr8 tip Sharon! Thanks for sharing!
Sharon
If you wouldl like to save a tree, try a glass Pyrex bowl with a lid. I pop my kernels without oil or salt and it is delish!
Claudia Kerns
Fun for staying home and hanging out!