Popcorn is high on fiber, low on calories, but also packed with energy. Compared to sugar-filled candy or chocolate bars, popcorn is still a better (if not the best) choice for snack. If prepare correctly and eat in moderation, it can be considered a healthy snack for kids.
You should consider making your own popcorn rather than buying from outside. Firstly, the corn kernels are inexpensive. Secondly, it’s super easy-to-make, and not to mention the wonderful aroma that fills the air. Thirdly, it’s healthier as you can control the amount of sugar, butter and Trans fat that go into your family’s stomach. Needless to say, plain popcorn is the healthiest choice. But if you find it hard to accept the plain ones, then strike a balance by mixing half of the plain ones with whatever seasoned flavour of your preference.
Besides being an all-time favorite snack, popcorn can be a great science experiment for kids. Making popcorn is not only fun, it’s also an interesting “cooking with kids” project for parents. For smaller kids, it’s like magic to them when they watch how dried kernels explode and “transform” into popcorn. You can also let them see how the kernel pops in super slow motion from this video clip.
Although popcorn is a healthy and delicious snack, parents should take extra precautions for the health risks involved when introducing popcorn to their kids as mentioned below:
Hence, kids need to sit down while eating their popcorn under close adult supervision.
My son is always curious about popcorn whenever he read about it or sees them from the television shows. After much consideration and lots of empty promises from this health-freak mommy, he finally got to taste his first ever (homemade) popcorn. He was so excited, grinning from ear-to-ear when he held his cup of popcorn for a photo shoot! Much to my “regret” for asking him to pose some eating actions, he conveniently finished off 2 cups in seconds before I could capture the right shot. Of course, I’m no less smarter than him. I only put 20% of popcorn in the cup and filled up the rest of 80% with kitchen towel.
In the end, I decided to swap him with his favourite soft toy to shoot for this post. At least, it’s more “obedient” and my popcorn is “safe” throughout the whole shooting. But, I got a “scolding” from my son because I had messed up his “pet” with the popcorn.
Craving for popcorns? Make some today and enjoy them while watching your favourite movies on the couch. (Honey! Shall we fix a date for movie this weekend? I will treat you with my special homemade popcorn.)
If you are still looking for super-easy snacks to entertain your guests during this forthcoming Lunar New Year Festival, popcorn is definitely going to be a great hit. Just be prepared to make double or triple the suggested amount for this recipe.
To find out more information about popcorn, please refer to this site.
>>>>> Click on page 2 below to get the recipe and tips on how to pop the corns and making caramel popcorn……
If you like this article, please share:
me and my kiddo loves caramel popcorn!
So making some for your kiddo soon? 😉
Wonderful post!! Your son just cracked me up!! Hahaha!! He is so adorable!! Could tell he was super excited about home-made popcorn!
Hey, you know what, in the U.S., popcorn with salt and butter is THE choice. Caramelized popcorn can’t even beat that! Surprised, huh!? At least, it was for me. I just told my American friends that popcorn normally means “movies/cinema” to me. And, my American friends even have popcorn for meal!! Geez …
Btw, it’s easy to buy popcorn popper in the U.S. I don’t know about S’pore & M’sia though because I don’t miss eating popcorn. So, I won’t think about getting everything for making popcorn. Perhaps, you can try looking for one!! It really makes making popcorn a breeze!! Everything is done via microwaving!!
Pei-Lin: Tks for your compliment on my son. I had tried the salty version but still prefer this caramel version. Like you, I’m surprise too. I also like to associate movies with cinema as this is how I ate my popcorn 1 decade ago. LOL! Tks for sharing the popcorn popper with me. Someone gave it to me last time but I didn’t use it because I don’t use microwave here. 😉
Thank for showing us how to make popcorn 🙂 I never tried to make popcorn at home before because I always think this is too sweet. And now I know I can control the sugar level~~ will bookmark this.
Anncoo: It’s definitely a good idea to DIY at home. I’m sure your kids will love you to bits. 😉
oh very nice 🙂
Buzzingbee: Tks! 😉
I’ve never made popcorn. I might want to try them on my cny hols!
Tracie: You’ll be surprised how much you can save with this DIY version. I’m sure your visitors will be very impressed too. 😉
Yummy! I love caramel popcorn! Still prefer this than the butter, salty popcorn.
LCOM: Me too. Dunno why. 😉
Popcorn is super yummy! I love your story! 🙂 And your son looks sooo cute!
Lee Mei (MCH): Tks! Hope to introduce this Malaysia version of “Denise the Menice” to you one day. 😉
How cool! It has been AGES since I last had any popcorns! Caramel popcorns look just inviting!
Angie: For me, I have not tried caramel popcorn for one decade. LOL! 😉
The only time I have popcorn is at the cinema. Maybe I should DIY and sneak some into the cinema =P
Pigpigscorner: Hey, I like your suggestion! Shhhhhhh…..! 😉
A long time favourite snack for movie lovers. 🙂
Dora: Totally agreed! 😉
I prefer salty popcorn than sweet popcorn 😛
Popcorn is actually a healthy snack if done right.
Tigerfish: Yes, we should make it a healthy snack for our family. 😉
hehe what a cute photoshoot – both your son and the bear posing with the popcorn! =)
Noobcook: How I wish he can be as obedient as his pet! Then I’ll have more nice shots with share with everyone. *Sigh*!
Oh my goodness you’re amazing.. Making your own popcorn? Haha I don’t think I have quite that much patience! Looks terrific though =)
Mrs Multitasker: Tks! This recipe is easier than you thought. Hope you will give it a try. 😉
Ooooo…. I love popcorn but then caramel isn’t it too sweet??
NKOTB: Initially I was quite skeptical about the sweetness but after trying it out, it is an acceptable version for me. Going to make some too? 😉
A good homemade snack. Lovely!
Little Inbox: Easy and cheap! 😉
Great snack…misses those days when pop corn is a must buy before going into the cinema.
CK: Like you, I missed those days too…….
LOVE the picture with the stuffed dog and the one of your son. He is such a cutie.
Amy: Thanks for your compliment. 😉
i love popcorn and know that it’s a lot healthier than alot of other junk food. but i think the type i like, buttery and salty is still quite calorific? So making it at home with less butter is probably alot better. Thanks for the recipe. We do love making our own homemade popcorn here 🙂
Diva: Homemade popcorn is definitely healthier but it is too addictive. Hahaha! 😉
hey big boys like us also love caramel popcorns! yummy delicious!
BBO: Why not make some for your guests during this CNY? 😉
I could eat so much of this – it looks incredible. Great photos.
Pam: Me too especially when it is still warm from the oven. Tks!
I love lots of caramel in my popcorn! I like you use the teddy bear to hold the pop corn. Cute!
Allie: Another caramel popcorn lover! Tks for your compliment. 😉
I saw Jamie Oliver making herbs popcorn in one of his series. Wanna give it a try?
Homeladychef: I saw one during his Christmas cooking series too. Are they the same? 😉
😀 This was funny & I bet your son and his pet enjoyed the pop corns very much! I wouldn’t know it is so easy to pop the corns…. will definitely try it when I am free from “sore throat”! 🙂
Alice: I think I enjoyed it more than him as he was just recovered from his sore throat. Just make some for your family now. You can still redo it any other time for your own consumption, right? 😉
MY FAVOURITE! yumyum.
thanks for sharing.
will absolutely make this soon!
Felicia: It’s really yummy! Happy trying! 😉
Sorry, I couldn’t concentrate on the popcorn because your son is JUST TOO CUTE!!!! Such a handsome boy! Pink-cheeked and happy, thanks to mommy’s wonderful cooking. Even his popcorn is good stuff. I’m jealous. And that teddy bear … what an adorable shot!
The Little Teochew: Tks. I’m sure he will be delighted to share some of his popcorn with this auntie if he knows about your compliment on him. 😉
Whink…beautiful caramel popcorn and beautiful smiles with satisfaction!
Christine: He is one who can be easily pleased especially snacks and dessert. 😉
POPcorn!!! yumm, hey i didnt know you werent supposed to give popcorn to kids under 4 my son and I love munching them while browsing around the supermarket , atleast he is sitting hehe
Peanutts: Yes, there is a risk of choking. It’s better to DIY at home so that they don’t bite or swallow those unpopped kernels. 😉
I love popcorn, and it’s my #1 favorite snack! Your caramel popcorn sounds great, and your son looks so happy with it!
Lisa: Tks for your sweet comments. 😉
My fave! I can never say no to this goodie!!
u8mypinkcookies: Like you, I can’t resist too! LOL! 😉
Your son is so cute! 🙂 haha, I can imagine how u “wrestle” with your kid, just like how I “wrestle” with my girl 😀
Baking Scientist: Hahaha! Yeah, it was a tough “fight”!
May I know what kind of corn kernels did u use?
Baking Scientist: I use the dried seeds of maize which I bought from the supermarket.
Many thanks for your tips as always 🙂
Baking Scientist: You’re always welcome! 😉
Thanks! I found them at NTUC. Sorry if my question is silly – do I need to wash the seeds first? Cos the packet says “Wash before use” :p and if I wash, do I have to dry it completely before putting into the pot?
Baking Scientist: I didn’t wash mine. Since the packet requires you to do so, then you must make sure the seeds are completely dried.