Saturday night we ended up having movie night under the stars in our backyard. You see we have this new toy, a blow up movie screen, that needed breaking in...so we did. With plans to see Toy Story 3 on Sunday what more fitting movie selection than Toy Story AND Toy Story 2??
Of course you have to have your standard theater snacks: M&M's, Mike & Ikes, Hot Tamales, Sour Patch Kids and oh yes, pop corn. In our household we succumbed to the inevitable years ago of using Microwave popcorn but here lately we've rediscovered how yummy it is to pop your own. There really is nothing like fresh, hot popcorn. It is more healthy because its not pre-slathered in artificially flavored ingredients sitting in a packaged box for who knows how long. I like being able to control the amount of oil used in the popping process as well as being able to add real butter in quantities I'm comfortable serving my family. Popping your own also allows each person create their own signature - some add an Italian flare with parmesan and herbs, others add Hot Salt (has a bit of cayenne in it) and at least one of our family members puts a small amount of M&M's in theirs for that sweet/salty/chocolate type of treat! You can't get this type of movie snack ready made from the store, and it takes away from the fun of everyone having a hand in either making the popcorn or just dressing it up to suit their own tastes.
We had invested some time ago, while shopping at Target, in the plastic red and white re-usable individual pop corn containers...oh so nostalgic. They came really handy this weekend and we all got a kick out of the whole experience. Family time slips away so quickly and anytime you can get most or all of the group together to do something in one spot is real treat!
If you haven't made your own popcorn it is quite simple:
What you need:
4 Quart pot with lid
2 Tablespoons of vegetable oil
1/2 Cup popcorn kernels
Butter
Salt
How to:
oil and popcorn kernels in pan
cover and put on medium to medium-high heat
shake pan a couple times
when you hear the kernels popping, shake pan regularly
when the popping slows to about 3-5 seconds between pops - remove from heat
pour into a large bowl
Add melted butter and salt to taste...get inventive with your toppings as you can go savory to sweet in a variety of ways!
Suggested Favorites:
A handful of M&M's while the popcorn is still warm
A handful of Hot Tamales candy
Parmesean with Italian Seasoning
A little fine ground sugar and salt for that kettle corn taste
ENJOY!!!
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