Gourmet Popcorn in the Microwave

1. Take a paper lunch bag (any color, and any size that will turn in your microwave without getting stuck), and open it.
   
2. Toss in a hand-full of kernels (more on the next go, if this batch turns out too skimpy).
3. Fold the top of the bag down, in small folds, several times.
4. Place in microwave and cook on high for several minutes. Stop immediately when popping slows down (or you smell burning).
5. Eat plain from the bag, or pour into a bowl to add any of many popcorn toppings.

Gourmet Popcorn on the Stovetop

1. Take a large pot, with a good handle and lid (2 or 3 quarts).
   
2. Pour a few Tablespoons vegetable oil (canola or soy, preferably) into the pan, and add 3 kernels corn.
3. Heat pan on med-high heat, with lid on, til you hear all 3 kernels pop.
4. Remove lid quickly and pour in a large hand-full of kernels (or more next time, if this batch turns out small).
5. Hold lid firmly by handle and lid (use mitts or dish towel, if necessary) and shake gently while the corn pops.
6. When the popping slows, remove from heat and pour promptly into a bowl.
7. Top with your favorite popcorn seasonings.
   

What's an Air Popcorn Popper?

These were very popular kitchen gadget gifts once, and now can be found at many yard sales and thrift stores.

1. Pour kernels into canister, as directed (if no directions, try a handful and increase experimentally each time).
2. Plug in and turn on machine.
3. Place bowl under spout, to catch kernels as they pop and are blown out of the popper.
4. Turn off or unplug machine when most kernels have popped.
   
5. Add seasonings to make flavored popcorn.
   

Bonus Points:

Use organic popping corn, with double points if you bought it in bulk at your local grocery or health food store.

Nutrition

Popcorn is a high-fiber food, no matter what else you do to it. It is mostly insoluble fiber, or "roughage."

It is also low fat (or zero if cooked without oil), and low calorie (about 35-50 calories per popped cup), until you add toppings.

Decorating with Popcorn

A very old-fashioned Christmas decoration is popcorn strung on thread with cranberries.

All you need is a spool of sewing thread, a fairly heavy needle, a bowl of popped corn, and a bowl of whole cranberries.

String them in any order and combination you like, and hang on a tree (indoors or out), along banisters, from your ceiling - wherever they look festive to you.

After the holidays, strip the edible decor off the thread and either cast to your birds and squirrels or (if you have none handy) compost them.