subject: Ways To Pop Popcorn [print this page] I was reading an article from the New York Times dated November 16, 1913 - yes, 1913 - and in that article it told that the United States government had an official way to pop popcorn to the best advantage. Of course, back then there were not all the technological tools that we take for granted. It did not go into detail but it did talk about holding the popper over an open flame or heat. Sounds like camping to me. There are a couple of ways to make popcorn at a campfire. You can buy a pan with unpopped popcorn kernels inside and the top covered with aluminum that expands as the popcorn heats up and pops. I can remember Jiffy Pop being an exciting new thing when I was a kid. Of course, you can use this method over a kitchen stove also. A more primitive method for a campfire is to place a large flat rock in the center of the fire and put popcorn kernels on the rock. When they get hot enough, they will pop. Some will fly into the fire, but the ones that fly out of the fire can be eaten.
The method that I grew up with was to pour popcorn and some oil into a metal pan with a lid. Place it on the stove burner and occasionally shake it to move the kernels around. As they get hot, they pop and fill up the kettle. When most of the kernels have popped, you can pour the popcorn into a large bowl and pop another batch, if you like.
When I was a young adult I remember hot air poppers coming onto the scene. No oil is used in this type of popper, thus there is no fat and the popcorn comes out light and fluffy and is quite healthy. The down side for me was that it was not as flavorful.
Probably the most common in-home method of making popcorn now is microwave popcorn. It comes in various flavors and with various amounts of butter. You just stick the sealed bag of popcorn in the microwave for 2 to 3 minutes and wait for it to pop. When there is a 2 second gap between pops, it is time to take it out of the microwave. Be careful that you do not burn yourself when you open the bag as it releases quite a bit of heat.
You can also buy bags of already popped popcorn at the store. However, my favorite popcorn is popped in a theater style popcorn machine. You can find these at movie theaters, in concession stands, in businesses and in homes. It is a great way to make delicious tasting popcorn and you can make a little or a lot. Popcorn machines are great for parties or just having friends over for a movie night. However you make it, popcorn is a tasty, fairly healthy snack that is enjoyed by millions.
We offer theater style popcorn machines in a variety of sizes and styles. We also provide all the supplies and accessories that you need to have great tasting popcorn in your home, school, church or place of business. http://www.marqueepopcornmachines.com
