I think a love of popcorn is a genetic thing. I mean…I haven’t seen any real research done on the topic, but from my own observations it appears to be true. My mom used to chastise my grandmother for eating popcorn for dinner, but I have it on good authority on nights when my dad is out of town for work, now it’s my own mother who is eating popcorn for dinner. Aaaaand it would be a lie if I pretended I haven’t done the same. It pairs perfectly with red wine, I think that means it is a complete meal?

I have friends who use air poppers and another who pops hers on the stove and their popcorn is always delicious, but for some reason it just seems like too much work for me. So for years I just kept buying the store bought microwave popcorn, seeing that pin over and over again on pinterest about popping your own popcorn in a simple paper bag…

I meant to try this ages ago. I have a little container of popcorn kernels from a friend’s baby shower (ready to POP!) that just stares at me in the cupboard, judging me as I reach over it to the prepackaged stuff. Let’s ignore the fact this “baby” we were celebrating is about to turn 3. Like I said…I meant to try this sooner.

Then I saw Shelley and Gretchen from Two Healthy Kitchens recently did some experimenting with this trick and I knew it was time to try it for myself. And guys…I can’t believe I waited so long.

It’s quick. It’s easy. It works like a charm. And most importantly? It’s delicious! Not to mention there is absolutely no added fat or salt, other than what you add to it yourself. Quite honestly, I don’t even think you really need any.

This basic popcorn will be the base of some of my Christmas gifts this year (stay tuned for that! There’s whiskey involved…get excited 😉 ) and I’m so glad I finally started making popcorn this way. I’m not sure I’ll ever go back to store bought!

~Stephanie

Insanely Easy Microwave Popcorn (recipe from Two Healthy Kitchens)

• 1/4 c popcorn kernels
• brown paper lunch bag

1. Place popcorn kernels in lunch bag.
2. Fold top of bag over twice, about 1 inch each time.
3. Place bag in microwave, fold side down.
4. Microwave for 2-2 1/2 minutes, listening to kernels pop. Once there is about 1-2 seconds between popping, stop the microwave.
5. Carefully open the bag and pour into bowl.
6. Sprinkle with seasons or salt as desired.