How to roast coffee beans with a popcorn maker

SAFETY REMINDER: you will be working with fire and a very hot popcorn maker. Only touch the wooden parts of the Whirly-Pop during and after the process.

VENTILATION ISSUES: Roasting coffee is a smokey process. A well ventilated area is required. You will set off smoke alarms if you haven't prepared your space in advance or used a vented hood.

These are green coffee beans. I get mine at SweetMarias.com or DeansBeans.com

Set one or two baking sheets out, preferably near an open window if you are roasting indoors.

Use a kitchen scale to measure 8 ounces of green beans. Place them in a bowl or small container near the stove or burner where you will be roasting your beans.

With your timer and beans nearby, preheat the Whirly-pop over a low to medium flame for two minutes. If you are using a thermometer, 400° is your target.

Set your timer to 15 minutes and start it right away. You're ready to start roasting . It usually takes between eight and 15 minutes to roast the beans depending upon the region and type of roast.

Remove the beans from the flame when they're slightly lighter than you like them. Quickly dump them on the baking sheet and shake the sheet to distribute evenly.

Let the beans cool completely on the baking sheet.

After the beans cool down, immediately store them in an airtight bag or container that includes a 1–way valve which removes air from the bag. Only grind the beans when you're ready to use them.

ROASTING NOTES: Light to medium roasts generally occur between first and second crack. Darker roasts occur after the second crack. Adjust the flame as needed during the process.

FINAL THOUGHTS: Monitor smells, sounds, flames, and the color of the beans throughout the process. SweetMarias.com also has a great library to learn more about coffee. It is fun and tasty.