How I'm saving with popcorn

[starwood]

I recently discovered that I can buy a package of unpopped popcorn and by placing it in a brown paper bag in the microwave it's just the same as the prepackaged stuff. I put it in for 2 min 15 seconds. It has no fat and is a whole lot cheaper than the other stuff.

 

[sunnyday123]

Really? I had no idea. Do you put a small amount of oil or Pam in the bag?

 

[Shleedogg]

Thanks for the tip! I have some kernel popcorn in my cupboards from a Christmas gift exchange. I think I'll try this for DD's afternoon snack today since we're out of microwave popcorn. I'm trying my darnedest to save as much as possible off my grocery budget for the next 2 weeks before Disney just for a little extra money for souvenirs for DD. We are all set really, but I really want to spoil her. This is the perfect budget snack that I never would have thought of!

 

[Ava]

My MIL does this - she sprays the inside of the bag with cooking spray. I haven't tried it yet, but want to. Our co-op sells popcorn in the bulk bins & it's pretty cheap. My mom used to pop popcorn on the stove in a saucepan, but I feel like I'd go through a lot of trial & error with this method before I figured out how not to burn it.

 

[allison443]

Do you just fold the top of the bag over and it stays closed?

I used to have an air popper popcorn maker. Anyone remember those?

 

[hmdavid]

I recently discovered that I can buy a package of unpopped popcorn and by placing it in a brown paper bag in the microwave it's just the same as the prepackaged stuff. I put it in for 2 min 15 seconds. It has no fat and is a whole lot cheaper than the other stuff.

Great idea! How much do you put in the bag?

 

[benolathe]

Do you just fold the top of the bag over and it stays closed?

I used to have an air popper popcorn maker. Anyone remember those?

Yes, I loved the popcorn made with an air popper.

As for closing the paper bag - I remember years ago when my aunt got her first microwave and attempted to make popcorn in it using the paper bag method. She closed the bag using a metal twist tie from a loaf of bread. Oops, not a good thing to put that metal in the microwave!

 

[robinb]

Do you just fold the top of the bag over and it stays closed?

My Weight Watcher's leader suggested that you staple the top of the bag. I just used to fold it over. Honestly, I found this method to be pretty messy so I bought a microwave corn popper for about $10. It works even better than the bag method.

 

[AKbabe]

I do this every day! I put 1/3 cup kernels (I like the white better than the yellow) into a brown paper bag. I do not put spray or oil or anything. Then I simply fold over the top of the bag. I cook for 3 minutes at 60% power (every microwave will be different, so you will need to experiment a little). When it's done, I salt and flavor. I can also reuse the bag a few times since there is no oil being used.

 

[PrincessDana]

I recently discovered that I can buy a package of unpopped popcorn and by placing it in a brown paper bag in the microwave it's just the same as the prepackaged stuff. I put it in for 2 min 15 seconds. It has no fat and is a whole lot cheaper than the other stuff.

My mom got me one of those as a gift, but I'm making us use up all the microwave popcorn before I open it!! I'm hoping it works great.

 

[lovesmurfs]

My Weight Watcher's leader suggested that you staple the top of the bag. I just used to fold it over. Honestly, I found this method to be pretty messy so I bought a microwave corn popper for about $10. It works even better than the bag method.

Noooooooo..... My mother and I did that when microwave popcorn first came out, and we managed to set the bag on fire. The staples (being metal) sparked during heating and caused a bit of a mess.

 

[DawnM]

I used to do this, but you do need to be careful as the bag can catch on fire! I have read this several places on the internet doing a search.

I now have an Orville Reddenbacher micro popper that I found at a yard sale for a couple of dollars and it works better (more kernels popped) for me.

Dawn

 

[pigletof4]

My MIL does this - she sprays the inside of the bag with cooking spray. I haven't tried it yet, but want to. Our co-op sells popcorn in the bulk bins & it's pretty cheap. My mom used to pop popcorn on the stove in a saucepan, but I feel like I'd go through a lot of trial & error with this method before I figured out how not to burn it.

Actually I was just watching a cooking show. I think it was Giada. She placed the oil in the pan with one kernel. Once that kernel popped, she new the oil was ready. Dumped the rest of the kernels in and it came out perfect.

 

[crazyfordisney2000]

We have a hot air popper and love it! I can't get past all the chemicals they put in the bags to make it taste like butter!

 

[Dismom55]

We have nearly always used the stove top for popping corn. We have a heavy pan with tight fitting lid. You pour enough oil in the bottom of the pan to give the bottom a nice coat. Poster was right, one or two kernals in the pan at first, once it pops you know you are ready to pour in the amount you intend to pop. I just eye ball it after so many years, but you will get used to it. Sometimes the popcorn pushes the lid off, but that is ok, just have a bowl ready, pour off the top and put the lid back on and finish popping.

Caution, you must stand at the stove, do not walk away, shake the pan and just as soon as the popping starts to slow down, turn off the heat, let the rest of the kernels pop and quickly pour as the heat of the pan may scorch the popped corn.

good luck

 

[TifffanyD]

My Weight Watcher's leader suggested that you staple the top of the bag. I just used to fold it over. Honestly, I found this method to be pretty messy so I bought a microwave corn popper for about $10. It works even better than the bag method.

Hi Robin,

Can you tell me the brand of the popper? I saw one of these at target and was wondering how it worked

 

[robinb]

Hi Robin,

Can you tell me the brand of the popper? I saw one of these at target and was wondering how it worked

It's called "Back to Basics" and it's red with a clear vented top. I got it at a local store called Shopko.

 

[smokeyblue]

I love, love, love popcorn.

I have a Presto hot air popper. I bought mine from Wal-Mart.com for $15 w/free shipping awhile back. They have them at Kohl's too so you can get a good deal when on sale and w/a coupon. To anyone who buys a hot air popper make sure it is a "tall" one. I bought one that was kinda short and compact from Walgreens and it worked poorly.

I usually spray my popcorn with olive oil spray and toss in Kernel Seasonings white cheddar "salt"

 

[TifffanyD]

I love, love, love popcorn.

I have a Presto hot air popper. I bought mine from Wal-Mart.com for $15 w/free shipping awhile back. They have them at Kohl's too so you can get a good deal when on sale and w/a coupon. To anyone who buys a hot air popper make sure it is a "tall" one. I bought one that was kinda short and compact from Walgreens and it worked poorly.

I usually spray my popcorn with olive oil spray and toss in Kernel Seasonings white cheddar "salt"

I have a hot air popper I got at Kohls but the popcorn tastes stale . I tried troubleshooting but just gave up

 

[TifffanyD]

It's called "Back to Basics" and it's red with a clear vented top. I got it at a local store called Shopko.

Thanks! I will keep an eye out for it