Stovetop popcorn

Like most people, for most of my life, I consumed microwave popcorn at home. I had a friend in college who had an air popper. Recently, Charles and I decided to try popping popcorn on the stove. Microwave popcorn costs so much and a lot of the brands have ingredients that we would prefer not to eat (trans fat/partially hydrogenated oils). So, we bought a bag of popcorn kernels and followed the instructions on the back. It's so quick and easy, so I thought I would share.

Step 1. Pour 1/4 cup oil (we use canola oil) in a pot. You will want to use a pot with a lid so your popcorn doesn't fly all over the kitchen.
Step 2. Set burner to medium-high heat and put one popcorn kernel in the pot with the oil. Cover pot.
Step 3. Wait for that popcorn kernel to pop.
Step 4. Pour enough popcorn kernels in the pot to cover the bottom in one layer. Cover pot.
Step 5. Wait for all the popcorn to pop. You'll want to swish the pot a little to make sure none of the popcorn burns.
Step 5. Melt some butter in the microwave. I used about 2 Tablespoons, but you can use more or less depending on your taste.
Step 6. Once the popcorn is all popped (you'll be able to tell because the popping noise will stop), pour it in a bowl. Sprinkle with salt and pour the melted butter on top. Pour the butter all over so it doesn't just get on a small portion of your popcorn.
Step 7. Enjoy!

We tried to do kettle corn once by also pouring on some sugar, but it didn't quite come out like the kind you get at festivals. And I keep forgetting to find a recipe of some kind. Charles also tried it with cinnamon sprinkled on top.

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