REAL Pop Corn

Last fall, our CSA included popping corn in our weekly shares.  They suggested we use it as a decoration, & then store it so it could dry out further through the winter.  Then we could pop it.

Using it to decorate was great.

Then I stored it away in a bag in the cabinet.

I wasn't sure about the whole popping aspect.
I grew up with the transitions from Jiffy Pop, to air popping machines, and finally microwave popcorn.  There's no way popping it directly off the husk could be easier, right?

But last week, we decided to give it a try anyway.
I figured the boys would get a kick out of it.

I didn't have a paper bag handy, and don't like to put plastic in the microwave, so decided to try it in a bowl with a napkin over the top.





The napkin I picked was a bit too small (I had underestimated the power of a popping kernel!)
Though the boys loved seeing the popcorn fly!




Here it is, in progress, taken while I switched to a larger napkin, wrapping it underneath the bowl.

Two ears filled the entire bowl (a 1.5 oz oval casserole dish), which the boys promptly gobbled up.  I'd figure on an ear per person.




Overall, it was a fun activity.
I'd even rate it as slightly easier than microwave popcorn, because you can pop it right in the bowl.  Can't get much better than that!