How to Make Popcorn

Popcorn is a nutritious, delicious snack that's as simple to make as it is to eat. Since the 1800s, hungry people have found ways to cook popcorn with air poppers, saucepans, paper bags or woks. Even though movie theaters seem to have the market on the best popcorn available, you can make stove top popcorn that melts in your mouth.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Vegetable oil
• Popcorn kernels
• Butter
• Salt (optional)
• Saucepan or wok with lid
• Measuring spoon
• Measuring cups
• Microwave safe bowl (optional)
• Large bowl

1. Turn your stove to medium heat, and place the saucepan or wok on top. A wok works better because it keeps the oil and kernels that don't pop at the bottom of the pan.
2. Pour 2 tbsp. of vegetable oil into the bottom of the pan. You need just enough to cover the bottom. If you use too much, the kernels might become fried instead of popped.
3. Sprinkle the bottom of the oiled pan with the kernels. The size of the pan determines how much popcorn you should cook. You should use between 1/2 and 2/3 cup. Cover the pan with a lid.
4. Heat the butter either in the microwave or on the stove top in another pan. Use between 2 to 6 tbsp. butter depending on how much you like on your popcorn.
5. Move the popcorn pan around a little once the kernels start popping. This moves the kernels around to help them heat up.
6. Place the saucepan on an unheated burner once the popped kernels reach the top of the lid. Wait until it finishes popping until you remove the lid.
7. Dump the popcorn into a bowl once it has finished popping and cover it with the melted butter. Add salt if desired. Shake the contents around to mix the butter with the popped kernels.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure you only use popcorn kernels instead of regular kernels. Sometimes the white kernels pop better than the yellow ones.
• Experiment with different flavors of salts and spices to add to your popped kernels. Certain stores also sell flavor mixes to add, such as cheddar, nacho cheese or sour cream.