A few weeks ago I wrote about saving money on groceries by buying them in bulk through Amazon. I even put a picture up of my favorite popcorn, Newman’s Own Organics Pop’s Corn. I was about to put in order in for a case of this stuff the other day, when hubby stopped me. “Isn’t it cheaper to just buy kernels and pop your own like we did before we went to the drive-in movie the other day?”

My initial reaction was to consider my life’s mission to frugalize the world complete. My most difficult and stubborn student has always been my hubby. I couldn’t believe he actually thought about the cost of popcorn. It was a proud moment, let me say… but I didn’t want to get too carried away, I mean it’s kind of embarrassing when you claim a victory and the battle isn’t really won yet.

I began to think about the cost of popcorn and the time it took to make popcorn from a traditional popper. I really couldn’t picture myself dragging that appliance out to make popcorn for the kids every time they got a hankering. Let’s face it, I am considerably lazy.

So I took my problem, like I do so many of my problems, to the all-knowing wise one, Mr. Google. And you know what he showed me? You can take your regular ‘ole kernels and make popcorn in the microwave with them !

1/4 cup of popcorn kernels

1 paper lunch bag

masking tape

Place popcorn kernels in the bag. Fold top of the bag over 2 times, each about 1/2 wide. Use the tape to close the bag. Place in microwave for 2-3 minutes until popping slows down. Enjoy!

I saw recipes similar to this one on several websites. Some suggested that you put oil in with the kernels, but I didn’t see any reason for that. Some suggested you put 1/2 cup of kernels in the bag. Did that and let just say it made a huge mess. I wouldn’t suggest it. Another website said to staple the bag, instead of using tape. Maybe it’s just me, but I am hesitant to put staples in a microwave.

I am giving up my Newman’s popcorn addiction. This one is so much cheaper and is healthy. I bought some popcorn seasoning that is easy to sprinkle on and less messy than butter and am making up several bags of this stuff to stick in the cabinet until needed. That way I can have them as handy as regular store bought microwave popcorn. Frugal, easy and healthy… ‘cuz that’s what I am all about.

* I am not entering this as part of CHBM’s Recipe Rally on popcorn.

Share This

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!