Popping corn in the microwave is easy and quick.
Packets of microwave popcorn are available in pretty much all grocery stores, and they are marketed for the ease with which you can use them. However, popping your own corn kernels in the microwave is very simple. It also has the advantage of avoiding the artificial preservatives in microwave popcorn, and allowing you to decide how much you want to make and which topping to have on it.
Instructions
1. Rub the inside of the paper bag or microwaveable container with the knob of butter. This will help prevent the popcorn sticking to the inside as well as impart a little flavor.
2. Pour in as many corn kernels as you wish. An average single serving would be 1/4 of a cup.
3. Fold the top of the paper bag over a few times, or place the lid of the microwaveable container firmly on top.
4. Microwave on full power for approximately four minutes. You should hear the kernels popping. If at four minutes there are still a lot of popping sounds, microwave for another minute, until the frequency of popping slows down. Take out the popcorn when the sounds are infrequent: once the pops start slowing, count to five from the last pop heard. If you reach five before another pop, stop cooking. If you hear another pop, start the count to five again. Every single kernel may not have popped, but you don't want to burn the already popped corn.
5. Add the topping of your choice and enjoy.
Tags: corn kernels, count five, four minutes, microwave popcorn, microwaveable container