Tell me about your favourite microwave popcorn!

April 5, 2012 11:05 AM

I really like microwave popcorn. I make it by hand too, and sometimes via this paper bag method, but I sort of really like factory processed microwave popcorn. Especially kettlecorn! I love fresh fairground kettlecorn, but I also really like microwave "kettlecorn," which is a different beast altogether. ...and I'd like your recommendations!
posted by sawdustbear to food & drink (7 answers total)

At our house we use regular yellow kernels, 2-3 tbsp of peanut oil (this is VITAL) and just pop it on the stove top while wiggling the pot around a bit. I add a few shakes of fine popcorn salt ... ooo ... still shaking ... annnnnnnd that.... is ... probably... enough.... salt aaaand ... SERVE. Sometimes there might be a little bit of butter too. Like today. This is probably not the healthiest preparation but it gets me through the first 30 minutes of the 85th viewing of "Up".
posted by joinks at 11:14 AM on April 5, 2012 [1 favorite]

Do you know any Cub Scouts? Popcorn sales is one of the big fundraisers and the kettle corn seems to be a pretty popular seller. At least it is around here. You can buy direct from Trail's End here, and if you know a scout, his group can get credit for the sale.
posted by jquinby at 11:15 AM on April 5, 2012 [3 favorites]

(also, I've eaten it and it's really good)
posted by jquinby at 11:17 AM on April 5, 2012

Microwave kettle corn is actually made with artificial sweeteners, because sugar would burn and be untasty.
posted by elsietheeel at 11:28 AM on April 5, 2012

Homemade kettle corn is really easy to make in a pot, too. I do basically what joinks does but add about two tablespoons of white sugar when I throw in the popcorn. Sometimes I add a shake of cayenne pepper along with the salt at the end if I'm in the mood for something spicy-sweet.

The reason I mention making popcorn at home is that there's some evidence that diacetyl, which is a big ingredient in the butter flavor you find in microwave popcorn, is bad for people's lungs at a certain level of exposure. It probably doesn't effect you, but there's evidence that it's an occupational hazard for the people who work in the plants that make microwave popcorn.
posted by gauche at 11:30 AM on April 5, 2012 [2 favorites]

Oh yeah, jquimby has it: get some Trails End, directly or from your favorite Cub Scout/Boy Scout, it's the best microwave popcorn I've tried! Several different flavors (butter, cheesy, etc.) plus very good popping quality.
posted by easily confused at 3:11 PM on April 5, 2012

Pop-Secret's HOMESTYLE microwave popcorn is our family's favorite. Not too much butter, not too much salt. Seems to be just right for us.
posted by kuanes at 4:19 AM on April 6, 2012