My family eats a lot of popcorn. It’s tasty, fast and inexpensive. It’s the ideal snack food. Not to mention it’s a healthier option compared to chips and cookies (that is if you make it without salt and butter).
We normally use microwave popcorn. I’d prefer to use actual kernels because then you know you are getting fresh popcorn, plus I can control the amount of salt and butter (if any) to put in it. I always thought you needed a hot air popper to use kernels. I didn’t know you can use a regular pot on your stove.
I also learned that you can make your own microwave popcorn using a regular brown paper bag. Simply add 1/2 of a cup of popcorn into the paper bag. Then fold the end over a few times to close it and prevent the popcorn from popping out all over the place. Pop it in the microwave for a minute and a half and you ta-da – you have your own microwave popcorn. Not only is it quick and easy but you are also saving a lot of $$$ (microwave popcorn can be pricey) and you get full control over how you season it.
You can also put 1 cup of kernals into a heavy pot with 2 tablespoons of oil and pop the popcorn directly on the stove. Use medium heat and make sure to listen for the kernals to stop popping otherwise you’ll burn the popcorn.
I have been making popcorn for the family a lot lately thanks to popcorn samples I’ve received from Archer Farms.
Archer Farms sent me two bottles of corn kernels for popping. One bottle was their Midnight Blend and the other was for their Golden Popcorn. The Golden Popcorn looked like regular corn kernels (they were golden yellow in color). The Midnight Blend had a mixture of colors (some kernels were a bit darker then the other).
Pictured above is actually the Midnight Blend with a little of the left over kernels from the Golden on top. The Midnight Blend is pictured below.
The kids thought the popcorn was going to pop in different colors but it didn’t. It looked like regular popcorn.
I honestly couldn’t tell the difference between the two blends. They both made delicious popcorn for my family to enjoy and gobble up (which they did).
I make the popcorn in a heavy pot on the stove. FYI… if you have a little bit of kernels left over don’t try to add them into the pot or you’ll have A LOT of popcorn and it will pop the lid off too. I had that happen. My kids and our dog didn’t mind helping me to get up all the excess that overflowed out of the pot (my dog LOVES popcorn).
I like that the Archer Farms popcorn kernels come in a resealable plastic bottle. Other “bulk” popcorn I have seen at our local grocery store come in bags. Once you open the bag you have to put it in another container because you can’t reseal it. With the Archer Farms popcorn you can just put the lid back on and the popcorn stays fresh until the next time you make it.
The popcorn popped up light and fluffy with few left over kernals to worry about out.
I also received to review three popcorn toppings, also from Archer Farms. I received the following;
– Kettle Corn – The perfect blend of sweet and salty. It reminded me of summer time because my family often gets Kettle Corn from the street fair.
– Buffalo – I was concerned that the Buffalo topping would be too spicy. It does have a bit of a “kick’ to it but it reminds me more so of barbecue flavor then a spicy Buffalo wing. I’m glad it’s not too spicy otherwise I couldn’t eat it.
– White Cheddar – This is my favorite flavor! I love this one. It doesn’t remind me of cheddar cheese. I can’t really describe the taste. All I can say it’s SO GOOD! This is my family’s favorite flavor too.
The great thing about the toppings is that you can add as little or as much as you want. We have used the White Cheddar several times and it barely looks like we touched the bottle. You don’t need a lot to season the popcorn. A little goes a long way.
Another great thing about the popcorn seasonings is that everyone can enjoy their own topping. I make a large pot of popcorn then divide it up to four individual bowls (one for each family member). Using the toppings each person can flavor the popcorn their way.
I am trying to think of other things I can use the popcorn seasonings on. I’m thinking of trying some on a baked potato or baked fries (the Buffalo or White Cheddar Flavor).
Archer Farms popcorn blends and seasonings are sold exclusively through Target. Archer Foods also offers other products aside from popcorn.
To find a Target near you please visit www.Target.com.
Kimberly
*I received free product samples in order to do this review. There was no compensation. The opinions expressed are my own.
Rhianna says
Oooh! Our family are popcorn fanatics. It’s kinda disgusting all the places I find lost kernels. lol
I’m also always in Target but never thought to look for this stuff there. After this review I am on it as of tomorrow. 😀
Thanks for sharing and reviewing. I may have to do a follow-up of my own for my blog.