Quoted from GRB1959:Thanks for the crash course in popcorning (new word I just made up). I have an 8 oz kettle and normally buy a case at a time of the packets which include the popcorn and coconut oil already measured out. This works out best for me.
I have been ordering from Snappy Popcorn online for the past 8 years, but I just found a Gold Medal shop on my way to the airport so I will give them a try next time I need to re-stock which will save on shipping. I like to make popcorn anytime we have guests over and it is always a big hit. I didn't even realize that there are different types of popcorn (mushroom vs. butterfly) with regards to the actual shape of the popped kernel.
Do you have a good recipe for making carmel corn or kettle corn? I have always wanted to make a batch, but wasn't sure of the recipe or the technique.
Gord
I use premeasured pouches in my 8oz as well, seems the easiest and most consistent. Our popcorn popper is in our game room where we have no stove, so the added space of the popper is welcomed.
I use the whirly for making any kind of popcorn at home, but primarily white corn (like Colby Ridge). It is again the most healthy. In the whirly you can make basic corn for caramel coating, sugar corn, and even attempt kettle corn.
Recipes
Caramel
Pinballlew’s recipe is pretty much the same as mine, I don’t use cream of tarter. This one is labor intensive and batch size is very limited in a residential oven. Another option is to use gold medal glaze pop for quick easy caramel corn. Does not require baking. Plus they have other flavors, I like the cinnamon as well. No doubt the real recipe with butter etc is better......but sometimes I am not willing to spend 2 hours making it so it’s nice to have a quick version. https://shop.gmpopcorn.com/products/caramel-glaze-pop-2525
Kettle
I will be flat out honest, it will turn out “ok”. If it was easy to make kettle corn at home I would not have bought my own kettle. Timing is everything, when to add sugar etc, and heat must be high. If you use 1/2 cup corn, then use 1/4 cup sugar. High heat, plenty of oil, and add sugar just before corn is about to pop, but not so late it doesn’t melt. This will not work in a popcorn machine unless it is specifically meant for kettle corn, so it’s whirly popper or a special machine.
Hope that helps!