how to pop popcorn

It has come to my attention that there are people in this world who don’t know how to pop popcorn. (Shocking, isn’t it?)

I’m not talking about yanking the plastic off a pack of microwave popcorn, placing it This Side Up, and pressing the popcorn button. Sure, that’s quick and easy, but I prefer to pop it the old-fashioned way — in a kettle on top of the stove.

Not only is the old-fashioned way a lot more fun, but a big bag of popcorn kernels is cheaper and more environmentally friendly than boxes of microwave popcorn packets. And if you pop it on the stovetop, you don’t need any special appliances — just a kettle, popcorn, oil, and a big bowl.

Think it sounds too complicated? It’s not. Here’s how you do it. Pour some popcorn (1/3 cup?) and some oil (1 tablespoon?) into a kettle over medium heat. Stir it with a spoon so that the popcorn is coated with the oil. Shake the kettle a bit so that the popcorn becomes evenly distributed on the bottom of the kettle. Cover the kettle with a lid. Get out a bowl and some salt if you haven’t done so already… because this is your last chance. When you hear the popcorn start to pop, move the kettle in a continuous circular motion over the burner so that the heat is evenly distributed. When the popping has almost completely stopped, remove the kettle from the heat and pour the hot popcorn into the bowl. Sprinkle with salt and enjoy!

If you burn it the first time, don’t be afraid to try again. Experiment with technique and quantity until you get the hang of it. And then try to resist the temptation to make it every evening…