Perfect Home-made Popcorn!

I have said many a time here before how popcorn is my favorite snack.  Popcorn and frozen yogurt actually, I can't quite pick between the two, it really just depends on whether I want something sweet or savory.  Popcorn is one of those things, that no matter how full I am, if I smell it, I want it.  It makes watching movies so much more enjoyable, but after reading an article that named movie-theater popcorn as one of the worst foods of all time, I no longer treat myself to the buttery, crunchy delight.  This inspired me to make  delicious popcorn at home.  Microwave popcorn doesn't even count as far as I'm concerned.  But not all popcorn was created equal either.   There is a right way to enjoy popcorn in my opinion:  using only three ingredients and cooked on the stove.  Something else I'd like to point out is that there are all kinds of gourmet popcorn kernels available- the perfect gift for the popcorn lover in your family.  They range from the whitest of white all the way to  midnight black. Some yield fluffy large kernels and others yield crunchier smaller kernels.  Tastes also range from mild and crisp to nutty and buttery.  Today I'll show two varieties, and my favorite way make home-made popcorn.

The first variety I made was the standard golden Orville Redenbacher popping corn.  The actual corn kernel is large and plump, and has a beautiful golden color.  The popped kernel yields a mild flavor, pops really fluffy and large and has a slight yellowish hue to it.

The second batch I made is known as "black jewel" popcorn.  The description on the site says " black jewel kernels are smaller with a tender hull that shatters when it pops. This means you get fewer hulls in your teeth and gums. Fewer hulls mean black jewel popcorn is also easier to digest than yellow kernel popcorn. Black Jewel is a very flavorful, crunchy textured popcorn that pops snow white with black centers.  I found this description to be very accurate.  I will add that this variety has a much more noticeable "corn" flavor.  After trying them back to back, you realize how mild the standard variety is.  I personally like the black jewel variety better.  Also worth noting, the black jewel produces less volume than the standard yellow.  I had to use twice the amount of kernels to yield the same amount of popped corn that the yellow variety produced.  This is because the black kernel is smaller in size and not as fluffy.

Here is a picture of  the black jewel  kernels when they're un-popped and popped.

Now look at the difference side by-side:

My Favorite Homemade Popcorn

Ingredients

• 3 tbsp. yellow popping corn kernels (or about 6 tbsp. if using Black Jewel)

• 2 tbsp. refined coconut oil

• 2 tsp. popcorn salt

Note: Use refined coconut oil rather than extra-virgin coconut oil if you don't want a noticeable coconut flavor.

Add the oil and popcorn kernels to a large pot with a lid over medium-high heat. Leave the lid slightly ajar until you begin to hear the kernels gently sizzle.

Cover the pot completely. Once the first few kernels begin to pop, reduce the heat to medium and gently shake the pot occasionally to help the kernels cook evenly.

When the popping slows to about two or three seconds between pops, remove the pot from the heat and let it rest, covered, for about one minute.

Transfer the popcorn to a large bowl, sprinkling popcorn salt over the first few scoops as you go. Continue layering the popcorn and seasoning lightly so the salt is evenly distributed.

A quick note about the salt: popcorn salt really does make a difference. It's simply a much finer grind than table salt, which allows it to cling to the popcorn instead of falling to the bottom of the bowl. If you use regular table salt, most of it will end up in the bottom rather than on the popcorn.

This popcorn also keeps surprisingly well. Store it in a zip-top bag or airtight container, and it stays fresh for about a week. I often make a large batch and portion it into individual bags for an easy snack.

It's wholesome, high in fiber, made with whole grains, naturally gluten-free, and fills your house with that unmistakable movie theater aroma. It doesn't get much cozier than that.