The proper title for this post should probably be photos from my colourful balcony and how to make the perfect stovetop popcorn for an afternoon out on said balcony. Yeah, that is way too long!
Our little balcony in the city is summer ready again. This is how I know summer has begun, that we’ve dug ourselves (and the balcony!) out of the dregs of winter. We cleared the balcony a few weekends ago, scrubbed the dirt and grime off, and unearthed the candy pink hue paint job we gave it last summer. We filled the space with all the cute little plants we’ve come to love.
We start our days with quiet mornings on the balcony, and when it’s sunny, we end the day here too – it’s become our little refuge. I’m pretty sure some of my memorable moments this summer will come from this tiny spot.
One thing we do out here a lot is eat, and sometimes we’ll just lose whole afternoons and evenings to chatting, people-watching, listening to music or watching YouTube videos – this is where popcorn and other snacks come in handy.
I love popcorn. It’s perhaps my favourite snack food and I love, love homemade popcorn. I’m not ashamed to admit that I’ve had popcorn for breakfast many times, and I also put it in my breakfast sometimes. Anybody who knows me knows that I’m the popcorn person… offering to make popcorn or bring the popcorn.
Thankfully, popcorn is ridiculously easy to prepare at home. Save for a few movie outings, homemade popcorn is the only kind I eat these days. I love the process of making it, it’s whimsical – from the tiny yellow or blue (or some other unique colour) kernels, to the magical and satisfying pop that turn little the kernels into large crunchy delicious buttery pieces.
One other great thing about popcorn is that it can be sweet or savoury, or sweet and savoury, according to your preferred toppings. I sprinkle mine with a little bit of salt and a generous heaping of nutritional yeast – I swear, I could probably munch on it every day!
I don’t need a lot of things in life. I feel like my friend’s three year old, who’s coming to Vancouver in a few weeks; all he talks about, and all he wants to do is wear rain boots and jump in puddles when he comes. All I need is a sunny day, a cute outdoor spot and lots of popcorn!


- 3 tablespoons coconut oil
- 1/3 cup popcorn kernels
- Salt to taste
- Seasoning and toppings of your choice
- In a large pot or saucepan (that has a cover), heat oil over medium-high heat
- When oil has melted (if using hardened coconut oil), add three (3) kernels to oil and cover pot
- When kernels pop, remove popped kernels (popcorn), add the rest of the kernels in an even layer (you may give pot a little shake) and cover pot
- Remove pot from heat, and wait for 30 seconds (I usually just count to 30)
- Put the pot back on the stove and wait for kernels to start popping
- Shake pot gently (by moving it back and forth over burner) once kernels start popping
- Keep the pot covered, but for a crispier and drier popcorn, leave a little space for steam to escape
- Remove pot from heat when popping slows to several seconds in between, and pour popcorn in to a large bowl
- Add salt to taste and your desired toppings
- Enjoy!
12 Comments
Stovetop popcorn is my absolute FAVORITE snack, but I’ve never tried making it with coconut oil. I’ll definitely have to try that! And you’ve totally given me a case of balcony envy. What a fun, outdoor space!
2 June, 2016 at 7:22 amThanks Claire! I’m glad to see another fan of stovetop popcorn. I recently switched to coconut oil when, I hear that’s what they use at movie theaters.
6 June, 2016 at 4:56 pmWe usually make popcorn in an airpopper- but this looks like it would be pretty easy to do! going to give it a try 🙂
2 June, 2016 at 10:25 amOh stovetop is so easy! I’ve never used an airpopper before, I’ve always been fascinated!
6 June, 2016 at 4:57 pmI LOVE your blog! Your pictures are stunningly inviting, and I want to sit on your balcony right now! =) What a beautiful, tranquil spot, and your flowers are cheery and bright. May I ask what you shoot with? I love your textures and light. On another note, I am a huge popcorn fiend too. I thought that I was the only one who used nutritional yeast on popcorn. Wahoo! I found another fan. I also love drizzling my popcorn with truffle oil. Yum! Thanks for the lovely post.
2 June, 2016 at 7:31 pmThank you so much Aarika 🙂 I shoot with a Canon 6D with a 50mm lens. OMG… isn’t popcorn with nutritional yeast the best??? Seriously yummy stuff! I have tried truffle oil yet, but I’m sooo going to! 🙂
6 June, 2016 at 5:00 pmlooking at your blog just makes me happy–i love the colors and you post some pretty awesome food too. 🙂
3 June, 2016 at 12:20 pmThank you! 🙂
6 June, 2016 at 5:01 pmSeriously you have the best balcony and the best table clothes ever. No lie.
4 June, 2016 at 1:18 amThanks so much B. I think I need to send you a small collection of tablecloths! 🙂
6 June, 2016 at 5:01 pmDitto to all the other comments.What a lovely space! Also, what happened to my invitation to this party.
6 June, 2016 at 9:11 amYou my dear have an open invitation… just remember to bring s certain white saucepan with you. 🙂
6 June, 2016 at 5:04 pm