How to Make a Popcorn Popper

If you don't have access to a conventional popcorn popper and you don't want to use the pre-packaged microwave stuff, you can make your own popper. Use the microwave or the stove to safely pop your own corn, control the salt and oil, and produce a delicious snack.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Popcorn
• Vegetable oil
• Salt
• Brown paper sack
• Microwave
• Popcorn
• Vegetable oil
• Heavy pan with a handle and tight fitting lid
• 2 oven mitts
• Stove or hot plate

Make a Microwave Popper

1. Insert 1/4 cup popcorn, 2 tsps. oil and 1/4 tsp. salt into a paper sack.
2. Fold the bag over several times and staple the top of it shut.
3. Put the bag into the microwave and cook on high for 2 to 3 minutes.
4. Remove the bag when the popping has slowed down to about once every 5 seconds.
5. Open the bag carefully. Watch out for the hot steam escaping from the bag. Pour the popped corn it into a bowl and add butter and extra salt, if desired.

Make a Stovetop Popper

6. Heat 1/4 cup oil in the pan over a medium heat.
7. Place the 1 cup popcorn in the pan and place the lid on top.
8. Hold the top on with a gloved potholder while holding the handle with the other gloved hand. Move the pan continuously, shaking and jostling the kernels as they heat up.
9. Keep the pan moving while the corn continues to pop. It should take 2 to 4 minutes. Remove the pan form the heat when the popping begins to slow down, and there are about 5 seconds between pops.
10. Empty the popped corn into a bowl and add melted butter and salt if desired.