It’s Snack Time: Homemade Microwave Popcorn

I used to feel discouraged with my attempts to lower my grocery spending.  I would buy meat on sale, shop multiple stores and find everything at the lowest price.  However, I still couldn’t get it right.  That is when I finally took the time to look at what was in my cart.

For me personally, I found that there were 2 things that were consistently costing me more each week. It is the 2 areas that I focused on first.

1. Breakfasts  
2. Snacks

I will share more on breakfasts later.  However, today I will talk about snacks.  Recently, I shared how I stocked up on snacks at a local food salvage store.  My kids get so excited to rip into a bag of anything so it’s a special pool time tradition!

During non summer months, I do buy snacks , but very few.  I find it is cheaper and even “healthier” to make my own.  Please know that every snack I serve is not homemade but I try to keep the majority of them from coming from a package.  Lest, you think I’m the frugal Martha Stewart, I can assure you I am not.

Here is one of our favorite afternoon snacks.  Why is it a favorite? 

It is:

Easy

Cheap (not frugal.  Plain ol’ cheap)

Healthy

Easy (oh did I mention that already?)

Let me introduce you to homemade microwave popcorn.  You are going to be so excited!

First, you need to buy a bag of popcorn.  I buy the white because it’s higher in fiber.  However, any kind will do.  A bag will last you awhile.  I can’t remember how much I pay?  I know it’s less than $2.

Next, you take 1/4 cup of kernels and put it in a brown paper bag.  I do not add oil.  It is not needed.  Can you?  Absolutely.  I just keep things as simple as possible. (see I told you I’m not Martha).

Fold the top of the bag down.  I’ve read different places about stapling or taping the bag.  You don’t need to do that if you fold it several times.  Again, keep it simple!

Lay the bag on it’s side in the microwave.

Set the time you need for your microwave.  This is where you may have to play.  Every microwave is different.  My old microwave died around Christmas.  I found that I had to set the time for almost 2 minutes.  My new one is much more powerful so 1 minute and 30 seconds is perfect. 

You want to simply listen.  When you hear more than 3 seconds between pops, it’s time to stop it.  How do I know?  The smell of burnt popcorn engrains in your memory.

When it’s done open the bag carefully.  It’s hot in there!

Pour into a bowl and serve.

We have come to enjoy ours plain.  However, there are many ways you can serve up popcorn. Drizzle melted butter on top.  Spray with butter flavored spray.  Sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar (my kids favorite), parmesan cheese, popcorn salt or other popcorn flavors. 

I reuse my bag to make 1 or 2 batches.  For my crew, 2 batches is plenty of popcorn as an after school snack.

Want one more reason why I serve up popcorn?  Because this always happens in my house.

Even Frugal Flamingo Mama doesn’t mind when this happens since it’s so cheap and easy to make one more batch.

Need a few other ideas? I’m linking up with Wednesday’s Women Living Well and Tasty Tuesday.