August 20, 2009
Popcorn for Dinner?
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I have a pretty bad memory so I'm often amused by the things that I actually remember. For example, I can tell you my 14 digit library card number. How many of you can do that? Here's something else I remember.
Back when I was single, I baby sat for a family with four kids. One evening I arrived in time to feed them dinner. Dinner was prepared; I just had to oversee mealtime. Well, I was shocked, not in a disapproving way just in a surprised way, to find that they were having popcorn with their dinner! Popcorn, I thought, was a great snack food, but definitely not a dinner food. The kids didn't have any problems eating their popcorn, though!
When I had my own kids, that memory came to mind, and I have occasionally served popcorn for dinner myself. In fact, I did it just the other night. I was very tired, I had meat thawed that I could easily cook, I had broccoli already washed, cut, and ready to steam, but I didn't feel like preparing potatoes or even rice. Popcorn to the rescue!
Personally, I will eat microwave popcorn, but it's not my favorite. I like the taste of it prepared the old fashioned way. That does take a bit more effort and time than popping it in the microwave, but even that didn't seem too overwhelming. I do have an electric corn popper (not an air popper) that we received for Christmas a couple of year ago. If you microwave yours, then popcorn is an even quicker, easier side dish for dinner.
Now for a quick food lesson. Many people think of corn as a vegetable. It's not. It's a grain like rice or wheat. Did you know that you can pop any grain? I've tried popped rice and popped sorghum. The sorghum looks like miniature popcorn and tastes almost exactly like it. What grains have you popped?
Corn is starchy like potatoes, rice or noodles. So why not use it in place of one of those once in a while? Your kids will love it!
For some great corn recipes check out this week's Friday Foodie Fix at The W.H.O.L.E. Gang.
Labels: miscellaneous
But thank you, thank you for your info on the corn (and potatoes). My BF considers those foods "vegetables", and no matter how many times I tell him rice with a side of potatoes does not a complete meal make, he doesn't listen. It's good to have back up to know I'm not the nutrionally crazy one :)
I found one at the thrift store for like $3..and the only thing wrong with it was the missing butter lid..so I cover with a bowl/plate..works like a charm!
Popped rice..that's a new one on me!
Now my code word to verify this post is "beers". Do you think they are suggesting I have a beer and popcorn for dinner tonight?
: November 08, 2008 : August 21, 2009 We make popcorn on the stove this way....I heat a large stock pot (8 quart) over high heat, then add a few tablespoons (4 to 5) of virgin coconut oil and about 1/2 tsp sea salt. Then add a layer of popcorn kernals, cover, and shake the pot a bit over the burner. Remove from heat when the popcorn is pushing the lid off and you don't hear much popping anymore. This way it is already seasoned from the oil and salt!
I make this so my daughter can pack it in her lunch occasinally; also good for outings in the park when everyone else is eating potato chips! Great post! :)
Love this post!
Chandice
www.glutenfreefrenzy.blogspot.com
(your gluten-free giveaway headquarters!)
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