Island Popcorn- How to Make the Best Popcorn

Out on Gotts Island, rainy days are a welcomed break from sunny farm work.  It’s time to relax with a favorite movie and a big bowl of popcorn.  Carly and I both love popcorn, in fact, everyone in the family loves popcorn.  Including Saff and Tuffy, the dogs.  To curl up on the couch with a big bowl of popcorn, a warm blanket and a bunch of snuggly animals is pure bliss.

We don’t have a microwave out on the island and honestly microwaved popcorn is such a poor imitation of the real thing that it simply can not compare.  For the best corn, you need a heavy 3 qt lidded saucepan with a handle.  You also need a really nice popcorn bowl, one that is large enough to mix all the ingredients together and easy for a few people to share.

Island Style Popcorn

Ingredients

3 TBS high smoke point oil, coconut, peanut or canola, I like to be sure the saucepan is completely covered but not drenched in oil

1/3 cup of popcorn, you should have a nice single layer of kernels

Nutritional yeast, Sea Seasonings, Old Bay Seasonings, Cayenne Pepper

Heat the oil, if you are using coconut oil make sure all the solids are melted

Put 3-4 kernels in the pan, cover

Once the kernels have popped your oil is ready.

The next step is really important.  When I bypass it I always end up with unpopped and/or burnt kernels.

Add the rest of the popcorn making an even layer

Remove from the heat and wait 30 seconds.  This allows the popcorn to get to exactly the right temperature.

Return to heat and let the popcorn pop.  shake the pan or hold a bit above the burner.  You should hear a steady pop, pop, pop.

Occasionally lift the pan lid up to allow steam to escape.

Once popping slows, your popcorn is ready.

Transfer to a large bowl and if you like melt some butter in the popping pan.

Now, you are ready to season your corn.

Nutritional yeast has a nutty, cheesy flavor and is packed with vitamins, minerals and proteins.

Sea Seasonings add the flavors and nutrients from the sea  http://www.seaveg.com/

Old Bay seasoning, it’s not just for seafood http://www.oldbay.com