How can I make popcorn without a microwave?

[TStoneMBD]

I don't have a microwave. Been too lazy to get one. I got these packages of Popcorn though and on the back label it only gives instructions for how to make them by microwave.

would it be ok if i poured the kernels onto a pan and put it on my stove, low temperature with a top over it?

[sfer]

Doesn't Jiffy Pop still exist?

[Macdaddy Warsaw]

Get these instead (http://products.peapod.com/9377.html)

[[censored]]

So you have microwave popcorn and no microwave but you want popcorn.

You could not try the stove which has one possible ourcome of no popcorn.

You could try the stove which has two possible outcomes. 1) it doesn't work, you no popcorn and no better or worse off then if hadn't tried at all or 2) it does work and you have popcorn.

Seems like you don't have anything to lose.

[TStoneMBD]

seriously guys, this is an emergency. i got rounders coming on tv in 15 minutes and got a crazy attack of the munchies.

GAAAHHHH

[TStoneMBD]

thank you. you should work for the cia. ill let you all know how it works out.

[sfer]

Make a Spamwich instead.

[TStoneMBD]

the kernels are popping. sounds like its gonna work.

[private joker]

For some reason I am curious to see how stove-heated popcorn tastes.

[Dynasty]

[ QUOTE ]
For some reason I am curious to see how stove-heated popcorn tastes.

[/ QUOTE ]

Popcorn just isn't as special now (and since mid '80s) that you can make it in a couple minutes in the microwave.

When I was young, my family had a popcorn machine and anytime we made popcorn it was about the most exciting event I could imagine.

It's one of those childhood things that technology has "ruined".

[mmbt0ne]

You mean like this?

http://www.worldofkitsch.com/objects/images/home_kitchen_kitchen1.jpg

That's how we always made popcorn when I was growing up. That thing was awesome. In fact, I really want one now that you brought it up. It was so cool to watch the popcorn flow out of the top into a bowl.

I can't decide which one I'd want though.
http://www.johnlewis.com/jl_assets/product/230134901.jpg

http://www.shoplifestyle.com/store/assets/product_images/LO002_main.jpg

http://www.71cs-shops.de/pro7resource/shop2/art_image/K19613001.jpg

[Dynasty]

Ours wasn't that modern looking. I think my parents bought it in the 1960's.

A 30 second seach on Yahoo got this picture.

http://rds.yahoo.com/S=96062883/K=old+popcorn+maker/v=2/SID=w/l=IVI/SIG=11n4ph734/EXP=1110269143/*-http%3A//www.oldbutcool.com/kmpop.jpg

However, ours was wider and had had a green bottom with a clear plastic top.

Did you have a shaker of buttersalt to put on the popcorn?

[TStoneMBD]

it was quite good. i think i slightly burned a couple in the first batch though, but got it down after the second. thats the hardest ive ever had to work for popcorn before though. i think i burned myself a couple of times.

[BruinEric]

Geez. No answers yet?

Here is how to make good popcorn on the stove.

1) Get yourself a decent sized pot with a lid. It needs to have a handle.

2) Pour some oil in the pan, enough to cover the bottom when you swirl it around.

3) Put over med-high heat until the oil gets hot (starts showing shimmers or wavy lines, etc.)

4) Pour some popcorn kernels in (depends on pot size.) I say cover about half the bottom of the pan with kernels only one layer deep.

5) Cover pot with lid.

6) Hold lid in place while you scoot/shake the pan back n' forth on your burner. You are trying to make movement so the kernels don't stick in one spot and the first poppers burn.

7) You will hear the popcorn pop. When you *think* it's done popping (most should go in a very fast timeframe), quickly dump into a bowl so you don't burn the popped kernels.

8) Season to taste.

You can probably dump the contents of your microwave popcorn bag into a pan and follow the above. Buying popcorn not prepped for microwave is much cheaper. I find "real" popcorn tastier, though we usually do microwave for simplicity.

Also, you can also make your own microwave popcorn by mixing kernels with some oil, putting in a paper bag and taping shut. You can find instructions elsewhere on the web.

[JackWilson]

[ QUOTE ]
Here is how to make good popcorn on the stove.

[/ QUOTE ]

Very good post.

I found the most important thing to be to wait until the oil is actually starting to make tiny bubbles (i.e gets very hot) before dumping the kernels in. That way they pop in 15-30s and none of them burn.