Popcorn. I wonder who was the first one to find out that these little kernels pop and can be used as a snack?
I'm thinking that some Native American Indian woman was scraping off the plates from dinner into the fire, one of the kids didn't eat their corn, next thing she knew tiny explosions followed by flying white puffs were bouncing off everywhere. Who knows who decided to pop one of those puffs into their mouth, but whoever did probably enjoyed it as much as we do today. That's my theory!
If you do a search on "How healthy is microwave popcorn?" You'll come up with several articles. This article is from the Livestrong site: http://www.livestrong.com/article/280511-microwave-popcorn-health-risks/
The two ways I did popcorn today are great alternatives to store bought bags of microwave popcorn. Both methods are delicious, easy and fast.
Clean up: The Nordicware popper is dishwasher safe and is used as the popcorn bowl. The skillet is non stick for easy clean up and the cover can go in the dishwasher.
Although air popped popcorn is considered a healthy, filling snack, be aware a 2 1/2 cup serving has 11 g. of carbs; good news is that it also has 2 g. of fiber as well as 1.5 g. protein.
How do you like your popcorn?
Plain: Nordicware Microwave Popper: 3 tbsp canola oil, 1/2 c popcorn kernels.
Salty & Sweet: Kettle Corn Recipe in an electric fry pan
http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/kettle-corn/detail.aspx
Ingredients
The above recipe is made on the stove.
I like to use an electric skillet. To use your electric skillet: Heat to 450; add oil and three kernels, when those kernels pop, stir in the sugar and add the remainder of the popcorn kernels. Shake. When you hear the popcorn slowing down, unplug the skillet, shake a few seconds more and pour kettle corn onto a foil lined cookie sheet. Salt, let cool, separate clumps and enjoy!
Ten Facts About Popcorn: http://www.10-facts-about.com/Popcorn/id/6
Some Gourmet Popcorn Recipes: http://www.familiesonlinemagazine.com/free-recipes/popcorn-gourmet.html
Recipes & Nutrition Facts: http://www.popcorn.org/NutritionRecipes/Recipes/tabid/67/Default.aspx
Weight Watchers Points Plus has 3 cups light or regular popcorn (microwave) as 2 points
That is an interesting ponder as to how popcorn came about. Additionally, modern day microwave cooking of popcorn.
ReplyDeleteCorn, while mention in the Bible, was a word usage for grain and not the crop known as corn today. Although, the first popping of corn came before any other means of cooking and is a South American crop about 5,000 years old.
Early Spanish exploring to the New World found 16th century Aztec Indians popping the kernels along with many other methods of cooking the crop.
Additionally, had it not been for popping corn, we may not have the micro wave oven. Percy Spencer, working at Raytheon Manufacturing Corporation, figured out how to mass produce magnetrons which were being used to generate microwaves for use in World War II. Looking for post-war applications of Raytheon technology, Spencer spurred the development of the microwave oven. Popcorn was key to many of Spencer's experiments.
Wow,I was not aware of that. Guess we owe a good deal of thanks to the not-so-lowly corn kernel. Thanks for your contribution.
ReplyDelete