Movie Night MUST

It must have been about 10 years ago that I first remember reading how horrible microwave popcorn can be for your health.  I try and use the microwave as little as possible since I am convinced that anything that heats that quickly cannot be good for you.  Regardless, microwave popcorn is so easy, but here are a few reasons why should avoid it:

First, the bag itself is lines with perfluorooctanonic acid (PFOA) which is the same chemical found on nonstick cookware.  When heated, this chemical has been linked to diseases such as cancer and infertility.  The EPA lists PFOA as a  carcinogen, meaning it can cause cancer...yikes! 

Next, the actual ingredients are usually not the best quality.  Many of the popular popcorn brands use genetically modified corn and are not organic which means there is a high load of pesticides.  Other ingredients listed on many microwave popcorn brands contain words like natural and artificial flavors.  What does that even mean?  Companies can get away with putting these words on their ingredient labels and we have no way of knowing what we are actually eating.  Wouldn't you want to be consuming real butter as opposed to buttery flavoring? Kind of scary stuff! 

And finally, microwave popcorn is pricey for what it actually is, corn kernels in a cancer-lined paper bag. Corn kernels are not expensive, even the organic non -GMO kind.  I usually buy in bulk at our local grocery store, but I sometimes buy the brand EDEN Organic which is really good as well.  I also recommend nutiva organic buttery coconut oil.  The buttery flavor stems from certified organic non -GMO plants of sunflower, coconut and mint.  This product is also great for baking and sautéing. 

Okay, now you know why it is important to stay away from microwave popcorn.  Here is the BEST alternative, make your own!  Homemade popcorn is super easy, healthy and you can get creative with what you add.  I used to make popcorn in just a regular pot on the stove, which works pretty well.  But then I learned about the Whirly Pop Popcorn Popper.  It makes the most amazing popcorn and pops every single kernel perfectly and evenly.  The Whirly Pop is a hand crank stovetop popcorn popper. It is easy to use and kids love to help by turning the crank.  You will have fresh popped popcorn in less than 5 minutes.   There are a few different versions of the Whirly Pop and a range of prices.  The aluminum version is around $20 and you can also purchase a stainless steel popper for around $50.  

To make popcorn you simply heat your oil, add the kernels, and then crank for about 3 minutes.  The result is best and healthiest popcorn you have ever tasted!