Comments on: DIY Microwave Popcorn http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/12/14/diy-microwave-popcorn/ personal finance that makes cents Mon, 13 Oct 2008 14:16:05 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.5.1 By: vic http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/12/14/diy-microwave-popcorn/#comment-149577 vic Sun, 28 Sep 2008 08:40:44 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/12/14/diy-microwave-popcorn/#comment-149577 I tried this with the oil, and it definately didn't appear to even get on the popcorn at all, rather just soaked into the paper bag. As to popcorn salt I just used regular salt and used my mortar to grind it down finer. I just folded the bag down without stapling and it worked fine, just use a big enough bag. Addition of herbs in bag just stuck with the oil to the bag so I think those are definitely an after popping addition, also loved it with grated pecorino romano cheese as I'm allergic to cow milk. The cheese didn't adhere well as I think post popping you need a light coat of oil to make it stick...or you can just press each handful of popcorn into some cheese (which is what I tried at the end of the bowl. Seems like a glass casserole dish would work equally well and be more environmentally friendly. I tried this with the oil, and it definately didn’t appear to even get on the popcorn at all, rather just soaked into the paper bag. As to popcorn salt I just used regular salt and used my mortar to grind it down finer. I just folded the bag down without stapling and it worked fine, just use a big enough bag. Addition of herbs in bag just stuck with the oil to the bag so I think those are definitely an after popping addition, also loved it with grated pecorino romano cheese as I’m allergic to cow milk. The cheese didn’t adhere well as I think post popping you need a light coat of oil to make it stick…or you can just press each handful of popcorn into some cheese (which is what I tried at the end of the bowl.

Seems like a glass casserole dish would work equally well and be more environmentally friendly.

]]> By: Kathleen http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/12/14/diy-microwave-popcorn/#comment-131714 Kathleen Sun, 11 May 2008 10:57:29 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/12/14/diy-microwave-popcorn/#comment-131714 Popcorn lover that I am, my method is to use a Presto PowerPop microwave popcorn popper. It makes delicious, nutritious snacks with absolutely no oil and no greasy paper bags. Although one can use oil in the popper, I prefer not to. It extends the life of the inserts to pop the corn dry. Butter and other toppings can be added in the bowl, if preferred. I had been dubious about the inserts, but they have proven to not deteriorate easily. The only caution is not to put in a second batch until the popper has cooled. Great for people who believe in conservation and good nutrition. Alton's bag idea would work fine if you were packing the popcorn for travel to a microwave away from home. Popcorn lover that I am, my method is to use a Presto PowerPop microwave popcorn popper. It makes delicious, nutritious snacks with absolutely no oil and no greasy paper bags. Although one can use oil in the popper, I prefer not to. It extends the life of the inserts to pop the corn dry. Butter and other toppings can be added in the bowl, if preferred. I had been dubious about the inserts, but they have proven to not deteriorate easily. The only caution is not to put in a second batch until the popper has cooled. Great for people who believe in conservation and good nutrition. Alton’s bag idea would work fine if you were packing the popcorn for travel to a microwave away from home.

]]> By: Jakewine http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/12/14/diy-microwave-popcorn/#comment-130133 Jakewine Thu, 01 May 2008 03:38:07 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/12/14/diy-microwave-popcorn/#comment-130133 This is a great recipe and Alton is absolutely one of the best TV chefs around, he is one of the few who actually explain the "why" of a recipe so you can really learn about cooking and how to adapt the principles to your own style. A side note re: the staples. This is not enough metal to cause any kind of problem. metal containers are a horrible idea as they reflect microwaves and prevent even heating. Not to mention an electrical buildup that is possible with conductive metals. that being said, small amounts of metal won't do any harm, even if there are sparks, which is unlikely in this situation. This is a great recipe and Alton is absolutely one of the best TV chefs around, he is one of the few who actually explain the “why” of a recipe so you can really learn about cooking and how to adapt the principles to your own style.

A side note re: the staples. This is not enough metal to cause any kind of problem. metal containers are a horrible idea as they reflect microwaves and prevent even heating. Not to mention an electrical buildup that is possible with conductive metals. that being said, small amounts of metal won’t do any harm, even if there are sparks, which is unlikely in this situation.

]]> By: Mary Pack http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/12/14/diy-microwave-popcorn/#comment-110451 Mary Pack Fri, 04 Jan 2008 07:42:38 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/12/14/diy-microwave-popcorn/#comment-110451 Nutritional yeast with tamari sauce--not great for those on salt restriction--but truly yummo! I just tried this method for the first time and the popcorn tastes better than the expensive bag kind. It's especially good for me because I love Black Jewell popcorn and the prepackaged microwave kind is so expensive. Now I can just buy the big bags! Nutritional yeast with tamari sauce–not great for those on salt restriction–but truly yummo!

I just tried this method for the first time and the popcorn tastes better than the expensive bag kind. It’s especially good for me because I love Black Jewell popcorn and the prepackaged microwave kind is so expensive. Now I can just buy the big bags!

]]> By: Sparky http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/12/14/diy-microwave-popcorn/#comment-95170 Sparky Mon, 13 Aug 2007 21:11:19 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/12/14/diy-microwave-popcorn/#comment-95170 One example of a dedicated solution: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000DE2T7 On the other hand, just dump a cup of popcorn in the center of the microwave without any container. That would be a sight! One example of a dedicated solution:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000DE2T7

On the other hand, just dump a cup of popcorn in the center of the microwave without any container. That would be a sight!

]]> By: TonyS http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/12/14/diy-microwave-popcorn/#comment-94988 TonyS Sat, 11 Aug 2007 03:47:47 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/12/14/diy-microwave-popcorn/#comment-94988 Hi everyone, I'm a fire officer. Not long ago I was called to a fire started by an attempt at homebrewed microwave popcorn. The microwave was destroyed, and the kitchen immediately endangered when we arrived. In this case the householder used a shoebox instead of a paper bag, apparently on the advice of some magazine article... I'm not sure if this made it worse, but in this particular case it didn't seem a good idea at all! My advice would be to take care, follow the instructions given fairly precisely, and keep watch (only takes a couple of minutes). Don't underestimate the heat produced and (especially) the flammability and potential fire intensity created by oil-soaked paper. DON'T leave it cooking any longer than indicated. I use this method myself actually and like it... but avoid the staples and go light on the oil. Hi everyone,

I’m a fire officer. Not long ago I was called to a fire started by an attempt at homebrewed microwave popcorn. The microwave was destroyed, and the kitchen immediately endangered when we arrived.

In this case the householder used a shoebox instead of a paper bag, apparently on the advice of some magazine article… I’m not sure if this made it worse, but in this particular case it didn’t seem a good idea at all!

My advice would be to take care, follow the instructions given fairly precisely, and keep watch (only takes a couple of minutes).

Don’t underestimate the heat produced and (especially) the flammability and potential fire intensity created by oil-soaked paper. DON’T leave it cooking any longer than indicated.

I use this method myself actually and like it… but avoid the staples and go light on the oil.

]]> By: edward http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/12/14/diy-microwave-popcorn/#comment-84354 edward Fri, 20 Apr 2007 22:00:35 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/12/14/diy-microwave-popcorn/#comment-84354 Enough with the no-staples comments. A small amount of metal will not cause sparks, fire, nor damage to your microwave. Larger metal objects can reflect microwaves to the source, or discharge the absorbed electrical energy as sparks to the walls of the microwave. The sparks themselves do not hurt the microwave, they just scare people, and will not cause fire unless you are microwaving something highly flammable like 151 Rum. In the case of large metal objects (eg, a can of soup), they can reflect enough energy back to the magnetron that can sometimes damage it. Staples are nowhere close to this metal mass or surface area to be of any concern. Enough with the no-staples comments. A small amount of metal will not cause sparks, fire, nor damage to your microwave. Larger metal objects can reflect microwaves to the source, or discharge the absorbed electrical energy as sparks to the walls of the microwave. The sparks themselves do not hurt the microwave, they just scare people, and will not cause fire unless you are microwaving something highly flammable like 151 Rum. In the case of large metal objects (eg, a can of soup), they can reflect enough energy back to the magnetron that can sometimes damage it. Staples are nowhere close to this metal mass or surface area to be of any concern.

]]> By: koo koo http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/12/14/diy-microwave-popcorn/#comment-83707 koo koo Fri, 13 Apr 2007 18:05:07 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/12/14/diy-microwave-popcorn/#comment-83707 oh yeah! i love this we3bsite oh yeah! i love this we3bsite

]]> By: Velmas Kettle Corn http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/12/14/diy-microwave-popcorn/#comment-81521 Velmas Kettle Corn Sat, 17 Mar 2007 20:00:56 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/12/14/diy-microwave-popcorn/#comment-81521 I recently got into the kettle corn biz because I love the stuff so much. Here's some tips that I would suggest if you're doing at home. There's a difference between using corn oil and vegetable/canola oil Corn oil somehow gives the kettle corn a little more "corny" taste. Before I bought a giant hot kettle to make the stuff, I tried doing it on a stove. It wasn't the same as the festival stuff, just OK. The reason is you need a VERY HOT heat source to BROWN the white sugar. Just using brown sugar gives it a different taste. What I would suggest if you DO try to attempt it at home is melt and brown the white sugar somehow before you put it in a popper. I've got a funny video on my website which shows how us pros make kettle corn: <a href="http://www.wickeddelicious.com/" rel="nofollow">Velma's Wicked Delicious Kettle Corn</a> I recently got into the kettle corn biz because I love the stuff so much. Here’s some tips that I would suggest if you’re doing at home. There’s a difference between using corn oil and vegetable/canola oil Corn oil somehow gives the kettle corn a little more “corny” taste. Before I bought a giant hot kettle to make the stuff, I tried doing it on a stove. It wasn’t the same as the festival stuff, just OK. The reason is you need a VERY HOT heat source to BROWN the white sugar. Just using brown sugar gives it a different taste. What I would suggest if you DO try to attempt it at home is melt and brown the white sugar somehow before you put it in a popper.

I’ve got a funny video on my website which shows how us pros make kettle corn:
Velma’s Wicked Delicious Kettle Corn

]]> By: Atis http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/12/14/diy-microwave-popcorn/#comment-81136 Atis Tue, 13 Mar 2007 18:56:14 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/12/14/diy-microwave-popcorn/#comment-81136 Just got my first microwave.. This is cool that you can DIY popcorn completely.. Although i'm thinking how to get rid of the paper-bags .. Would those heat-food-in-microwave plastic boxes work? Do i need some holes in it for hot air to get out? Just got my first microwave.. This is cool that you can DIY popcorn completely.. Although i’m thinking how to get rid of the paper-bags .. Would those heat-food-in-microwave plastic boxes work? Do i need some holes in it for hot air to get out?

]]> By: James Kew http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/12/14/diy-microwave-popcorn/#comment-62070 James Kew Fri, 02 Feb 2007 21:11:20 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/12/14/diy-microwave-popcorn/#comment-62070 The Good Eats Fan Page http://www.goodeatsfanpage.com/GEFP/ has a transcript of the episode, including the recipe: http://www.goodeatsfanpage.com/Season9/avocado/avocado_tran.htm The Good Eats Fan Page http://www.goodeatsfanpage.com/GEFP/ has a transcript of the episode, including the recipe:

http://www.goodeatsfanpage.com/Season9/avocado/avocado_tran.htm

]]> By: EAB http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/12/14/diy-microwave-popcorn/#comment-61962 EAB Fri, 02 Feb 2007 19:07:59 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/12/14/diy-microwave-popcorn/#comment-61962 Does anyone actually have Alton Brown' recipe for Avocado Compound Butter? The Foodtv recipe has expired!!! Please send to me at elliceblay@yahoo.com, thanks.... Does anyone actually have Alton Brown’ recipe for Avocado Compound Butter? The Foodtv recipe has expired!!! Please send to me at elliceblay@yahoo.com, thanks….

]]> By: vo0 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/12/14/diy-microwave-popcorn/#comment-61470 vo0 Fri, 02 Feb 2007 08:23:23 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/12/14/diy-microwave-popcorn/#comment-61470 I agree that alton brown has a lot of good money saving ways to cook. They also happen to generally be better than what you can get in any store. The granola recipe he gave out is absolutely out of this world, and is comparable (if not better, I can't rmember) nutritionally to store bought bars. I forgot about his "plain popcorn in the bag" trick... will have to try that now that i eat more popcorn than I used to. I agree that alton brown has a lot of good money saving ways to cook. They also happen to generally be better than what you can get in any store. The granola recipe he gave out is absolutely out of this world, and is comparable (if not better, I can’t rmember) nutritionally to store bought bars. I forgot about his “plain popcorn in the bag” trick… will have to try that now that i eat more popcorn than I used to.

]]> By: Adam http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/12/14/diy-microwave-popcorn/#comment-35497 Adam Thu, 28 Dec 2006 03:15:37 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/12/14/diy-microwave-popcorn/#comment-35497 Angela is 100% wrong. One or two staples in most microwaves is not enough metal, especially if it's folded over, to cause a plasma fire. Angela is 100% wrong. One or two staples in most microwaves is not enough metal, especially if it’s folded over, to cause a plasma fire.

]]> By: Michelle http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/12/14/diy-microwave-popcorn/#comment-31760 Michelle Tue, 19 Dec 2006 17:07:07 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/12/14/diy-microwave-popcorn/#comment-31760 Has anyone tried using sugar to make kettle corn without using the oil? Just curious if it works and if it tasts good. Has anyone tried using sugar to make kettle corn without using the oil? Just curious if it works and if it tasts good.

]]> By: MARY MACK http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/12/14/diy-microwave-popcorn/#comment-31314 MARY MACK Mon, 18 Dec 2006 17:09:14 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/12/14/diy-microwave-popcorn/#comment-31314 WHY BOTHER WITH THE BAG AND STAPLES IF YOU CAN JUST POP IT STOVETOP? WHY BOTHER WITH THE BAG AND STAPLES IF YOU CAN JUST POP IT STOVETOP?

]]> By: Ryan http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/12/14/diy-microwave-popcorn/#comment-30485 Ryan Sun, 17 Dec 2006 08:58:23 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/12/14/diy-microwave-popcorn/#comment-30485 I thought I'd try this, only I had no paper bag handy. Suffice it to say that substituting a plastic freezer bag is a good idea only if you A) don't want to eat your popcorn; and B) like cleaning melted plastic and fused popcorn kernels off the floor of your microwave. On the other hand, it is rather cool procedure to watch. I thought I’d try this, only I had no paper bag handy. Suffice it to say that substituting a plastic freezer bag is a good idea only if you A) don’t want to eat your popcorn; and B) like cleaning melted plastic and fused popcorn kernels off the floor of your microwave. On the other hand, it is rather cool procedure to watch.

]]> By: Angela http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/12/14/diy-microwave-popcorn/#comment-30180 Angela Sat, 16 Dec 2006 19:15:21 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/12/14/diy-microwave-popcorn/#comment-30180 I would really remove the staples suggestion. You cannot have the *slightest* bit of metal in your microwave or it will have a fit and possibly break it. Use tape if you have to. I would really remove the staples suggestion. You cannot have the *slightest* bit of metal in your microwave or it will have a fit and possibly break it. Use tape if you have to.

]]> By: This Simple Life » Blog Archive » Microwave Popcorn http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/12/14/diy-microwave-popcorn/#comment-30127 This Simple Life » Blog Archive » Microwave Popcorn Sat, 16 Dec 2006 14:49:29 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/12/14/diy-microwave-popcorn/#comment-30127 [...] We go through a lot of popcorn in this house and because of it’s simplicity microwave popcorn has been the poison of choice.  I jest but it is a poison of sorts, isn’t it?  What exactly is “real butter flavor”?  That’s why I’m delighted with this Alton Brown recipe passed along by J.D. at GetRichSlowly.  Not only is making our own microwave popcorn frugal but now we will control the content. [...] [...] We go through a lot of popcorn in this house and because of it’s simplicity microwave popcorn has been the poison of choice.  I jest but it is a poison of sorts, isn’t it?  What exactly is “real butter flavor”?  That’s why I’m delighted with this Alton Brown recipe passed along by J.D. at GetRichSlowly.  Not only is making our own microwave popcorn frugal but now we will control the content. [...]

]]> By: BarelyBlogging » Blog Archive » links for 2006-12-16 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/12/14/diy-microwave-popcorn/#comment-29904 BarelyBlogging » Blog Archive » links for 2006-12-16 Sat, 16 Dec 2006 00:22:55 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/12/14/diy-microwave-popcorn/#comment-29904 [...] Get Rich Slowly » DIY Microwave Popcorn (tags: recipe cooking) [...] [...] Get Rich Slowly » DIY Microwave Popcorn (tags: recipe cooking) [...]

]]> By: Elizabeth http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/12/14/diy-microwave-popcorn/#comment-29685 Elizabeth Fri, 15 Dec 2006 13:09:17 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/12/14/diy-microwave-popcorn/#comment-29685 I second Angie: No oil needed! Alton Brown revised the instructions, noting that the kernel pops because of the moisture inside of it. The oil has nothing to do with it and adds nothing to the flavor. Less messy, more healthy. YAY! I second Angie:

No oil needed!

Alton Brown revised the instructions, noting that the kernel pops because of the moisture inside of it. The oil has nothing to do with it and adds nothing to the flavor.

Less messy, more healthy. YAY!

]]> By: Tom http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/12/14/diy-microwave-popcorn/#comment-29519 Tom Fri, 15 Dec 2006 05:39:48 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/12/14/diy-microwave-popcorn/#comment-29519 I'm a little concerned about the staples in the bag as that could cause sparks which would be bad news, but otherwise this sounds like a good idea. I'd try it except we have no microwave here on account of being cheap! ;) Air popped all the way though. I think in the long run it will save you money over nuked popcorn and its about 100 times better and healthier. Plus you can always make it exactly the way you want! I’m a little concerned about the staples in the bag as that could cause sparks which would be bad news, but otherwise this sounds like a good idea. I’d try it except we have no microwave here on account of being cheap! ;)

Air popped all the way though. I think in the long run it will save you money over nuked popcorn and its about 100 times better and healthier. Plus you can always make it exactly the way you want!

]]> By: Angie http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/12/14/diy-microwave-popcorn/#comment-29410 Angie Fri, 15 Dec 2006 01:26:27 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/12/14/diy-microwave-popcorn/#comment-29410 When we do this at our house, I just put 1/3 cup of popcorn in a paper lunch sack, double-fold the bag shut, and stick it in the microwave for 2 minutes. No oil or stapler needed. We dress it with salt and melted butter when it comes out popped! When we do this at our house, I just put 1/3 cup of popcorn in a paper lunch sack, double-fold the bag shut, and stick it in the microwave for 2 minutes.

No oil or stapler needed. We dress it with salt and melted butter when it comes out popped!

]]> By: Allie http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/12/14/diy-microwave-popcorn/#comment-29338 Allie Thu, 14 Dec 2006 22:06:39 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/12/14/diy-microwave-popcorn/#comment-29338 No oil is great news! That's cheaper and lower in fat. "...nutritional yeast..." YUM! What a great idea! I love this stuff and use it on pasta, hummus/pita/avocado sandwiches, etc. It bet its fabulous on popcorn. No oil is great news! That’s cheaper and lower in fat.

“…nutritional yeast…”

YUM! What a great idea! I love this stuff and use it on pasta, hummus/pita/avocado sandwiches, etc. It bet its fabulous on popcorn.

]]> By: Mary http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/12/14/diy-microwave-popcorn/#comment-29337 Mary Thu, 14 Dec 2006 22:06:18 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2006/12/14/diy-microwave-popcorn/#comment-29337 I've made this using just the popcorn inside the stapled bag. I add salt and a little butter spray after it's popped. Two small staples have never even caused sparking in my 1200 watt microwave, but stick around and watch in case you're concerned. I’ve made this using just the popcorn inside the stapled bag. I add salt and a little butter spray after it’s popped.

Two small staples have never even caused sparking in my 1200 watt microwave, but stick around and watch in case you’re concerned.

]]>