Monday, September 3, 2012

Simple Living :: DIY Microwave Popcorn

 

Our little household goes through popcorn like there is no tomorrow! My husband, Jake, can't stand the stuff, but the boys and I love it. After trying to find ways to cut our grocery budget, I realized we were spending $10 to $12 a month just on popcorn. Wow! (Hi, I'm Michelle, and I'm a popcorn addict.)

At the last park day, I asked the question about do it yourself popcorn. One friend suggested the Whirly Pop, which is a neat stove-top popper; another suggested making your own microwave bags. Since I was quite ready to purchase a Whirly Pop, I opted for trying it on my own method first.

Here's how to make your own DIY Microwave Popcorn:

Using a brown paper lunch bag, spray a little non-stick cooking spray inside. I like to use Trader Joe's Olive Oil Spray. Add 1/3 cup popcorn kernels and fold over the edge of the bag twice. Lay the bag on its side inside your microwave.

 
I used our microwave's popcorn setting, which is about three and a half minutes. However, everyone's microwave is different, so please watch your popcorn closely and when the popping slows stop the microwave. We don't want any fires!

When opening your brown paper bag full of yummy popcorn, be careful as the steam will be hot! You can season the popcorn to your individual taste or eat Au natural.

 
The boys love sea salt and Parmesan cheese as toppings!

Since this began as a way to help lower my monthly grocery budget, I wanted to give you a cost breakdown for this project.

1 - 2lb bag of popcorn = $2.89
1 - 50 count of brown paper sacks = $1.29

Using 1/3 cup of popcorn, I can make about 20 bags of microwave popcorn. Each bag would cost me only 15 cents to produce in comparison to the minimum of $1 per bag I had been paying. That's a huge savings! I mean, its not going to build our retirement, but every penny counts. Plus, this is an EASY way to save and it really is a simple process.

What flavor combinations do you use on your popcorn? My boys are dying to try some new flavors!

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