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 Watching movies is a favorite winter pasttime here along with playing games. Nothing goes better with these two activities than a warm cup of hot chocolate and popcorn! "Nothing?" you ask? Hmmm, if you are asking, maybe it's because you're eating plain ol' popcorn or that microwave stuff. Now I will admit we were hooked on the microwave kettle corn for a while, but there is nothing like topping off that air popped popcorn with something yummy. Need some ideas? Well have I got them! Our air popper has more than paid for itself in the short time that we have owned it. And popcorn seeds are cheap to buy and easy to store. We have noticed no difference in the store brand or the name brand. There are also many other ways to make popcorn, including stovetop models that are inexpensive and fun to use. If you really don't have the space or desire to get a popcorn maker, you can use the microwave kind. When creating "designer" popcorn, it's best to start with an unflavored variety (i.e. no butter, etc.) Now onto toppings... Let's start with some easy ones first. Step one to all of these ideas is to pop some popcorn.
Caramel Corn Want some good caramel recipes? Growing up we always made the following quick and easy recipe and its still a favorite today: Ingredients & Directions: Melt 1 cup butter, add 1 cup sugar and 1/2 cup honey. Bring to boil. Boil for one minute. Take off heat, add 1 tsp vanilla (optional). Pour over popcorn, let cool. You can also substitute the honey for light corn syrup. Another easy recipe: Bring to a boil: 1 stick butter 1 cups brown sugar 1/4 cups Karo 1/2 tsp salt Directions: Boil for 3 minutes. Add 1/2 teaspoon soda. Stir in popcorn (and peanuts if desired). Microwave for 3 to 3 1/3 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds. Coolon cookie sheet. Makes 1/2 to 1 gallon of caramel corn, depending on the amount of caramel coating you like. Yet another: Ingredients: 4 to 6 cups popcorn 1/2 cup butter 1/2 cup brown sugar 7 lg. marshmallows Directions: In a medium bowl combine butter, sugar, and marshmallows. Cook 2-1/2 minutes at full power in microwave; stir until it is a syrup. Cook 30 seconds more. Pour over popcorn; stir. Then spread out on waxed paper; cool. Be sure to allow for the carameled stuff to cool. You don't want little fingers or mouths to get burned. Now run off and make a batch and cuddle up with your kids and have a great family night! Still not satified? Try the following sites for more recipes: Recipe Goldmine Popcorn.org Want some great information on popcorn in general, including how to cook it, recipes, tips, and more? This article is a must-read (but it's a bit lengthy, so make sure you have a few minutes on your hand). -- Perfect Popcorn Recipes from various sources 2005 - Lotsofkids.com |