Could popcorn be the perfect snack?

Ever since I was a kid I’ve loved homemade popcorn.

It’s fun to make and magical when the popcorn would pop so big it’d lift the lid right off the pan. Now, I appreciate it in a whole new way.

At about 10 cents per serving, it’s naturally low calorie, gluten free, and high in fiber. According to the U.S.D.A., one cup of air-popped popcorn has only 33 calories, oil popped has 55 calories and a cup of lightly buttered popcorn has 131 calories. Not bad. If you’re concerned about GMO corn you can easily find organic and non-GMO popcorn.

Most popcorn today is bought in prepackaged bags you pop in the microwave. They’re convenient but if you’re looking for the most cost-effective and nutritious choice you’ll skip the bags. Of course there are exceptions but generally because of the saturated fats, artificial flavorings and excessive salt - they’re not healthy.

Did you know you can make microwave popcorn in a plain brown paper bag? No oil needed.

Just put ¼ cup popcorn in a lunch bag, roll the top down a little and microwave on HIGH for two minutes. Stay close and stop the microwave when the popping slows to one or two pops per second. Done!

There’s no doubt the best tasting popcorn is made on the stove top. It’s easy.

Put about ¼ cup oil in a large pan. You can use vegetable oil, canola oil, olive oil, peanut oil or corn oil. Don’t use butter, it’ll burn. Drop a few “test” kernels in the oil and heat on medium-high. When the kernels pop the oil is hot enough for you to add ¾ cup popcorn kernels. Cover with a lid and shake the pan occasionally. When the popping slows to one or two pops per second remove from heat and uncover. Pour into a large bowl and add your favorite seasoning.

When it comes to seasoning popcorn the only limit is your imagination. The classic technique is melted butter sprinkled with salt, but you can add goodies to the melted butter for variety. Add garlic powder and sprinkle with parmesan. Add hot sauce and sprinkle with lime zest and chili powder. Ka-pow! Try adding powdered seasoning mixes like ranch dressing or onion dip mix. Or go sweet and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar and drizzle with honey or maple syrup.

If butter isn’t on your menu use olive oil, butter spray or cooking spray as an alternative to make seasoning stick. Or try a small spray bottle for other flavorful liquids. I like lemon juice with lemon pepper seasoning or malt vinegar with salt.

Popcorn can also be mixed to make other snacks go further. Add chips, pretzels, nuts, dried fruits or cereals to popcorn. Two family favorites are chili powder and lime juice in the butter with crushed lime tortilla chips. The second is cinnamon sugar with graham cereal, drizzled with chocolate.

Happy popping!

Frugal Food Finds contributed by Patti Diamond from Divas On A Dime – Where Frugal, Meets Fabulous! www.divasonadime.com Join us on Facebook at DivasOnADimeDotCom.