Make your best popcorn to enjoy with family and friends.
Whether zapped in the microwave or prepared on the stove, popcorn makes a crunchy and satisfying snack choice for curbing hunger pangs. Dress up popcorn with melted butter, seasonings and spices to make your own version of the best popcorn snack. Use classic additions such as kettle corn or cheese flavorings, or make your popcorn stand out with extraordinary combinations such as chocolate and chili powder or ginger and caramel.
Instructions
Microwaved Ginger Caramel Popcorn
1. Pour 2 tsp. of vegetable or canola oil in a mixing bowl with 1/2 cup of popcorn kernels. Mix thoroughly to combine.
2. Pour the mixture into a paper bag. Fold over the top of the bag twice, but leave space for the kernels to expand. Microwave the popcorn on high for 2 to 3 minutes until 3 seconds go by between pops.
3. Pour the popped corn into a large and allow to cool.
4. Place 2 cups of brown sugar with 1/2 cup of water into a large saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Allow the mixture to cook, stirring occasionally until it turns dark brown in color.
5. Remove the mixture from heat and add 2/3 cup of water. Add the water carefully as it may splatter or steam quickly. Stir the water into the caramel until smooth. Measure 1/2 to 1 tsp. of ground ginger into the mixture. Add 1 tsp. of vanilla and a pinch of salt. Mix again to combine.
6. Pour the caramel sauce over the popcorn and stir lightly. Put the mixture in greased baking pans and bake for 45 minutes at 250 degrees Fahrenheit, stirring the popcorn every 15 minutes. Remove and allow to cool before serving.
Stovetop Chocolate Chili Popcorn
7. Place a large saucepan over medium-high heat and add 3 tbsp. of vegetable oil. Place two or three popcorn kernels in the bottom of the pan.
8. Pour 1/2 cup of popcorn kernels into the butter when the first kernels have popped. Cover the saucepan with a lid and continue to cook, shaking the pan gently back and forth. Let the kernels pop, until the popping slows to 3 seconds between pops.
9. Pour the popcorn into a large mixing bowl.
10. Measure 2 cups of semisweet chocolate chips into a glass mixing bowl. Add a pinch of salt, and 1/4 to 1/2 tsp. of chili powder according to taste. Melt the chips in the microwave on high in 30-second bursts, until the chocolate chips have nearly melted.
11. Remove the chocolate from the microwave and stir until smooth. Pour the chocolate mixture over the popcorn and mix thoroughly to combine.
12. Place a single layer of the chocolate-covered popcorn on greased baking sheets. Allow the popcorn to cool until the chocolate has hardened.
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