Perfect Stovetop Popcorn Food

HOW TO MAKE STOVETOP POPCORN

Steps:

• Place a large (8-quart) pot over high heat and add the oil. The oil should just cover the bottom of the pan. Heat the oil until it's rippling but not smoking, then add the popcorn kernels and shake the pot so the kernels form a single layer on the bottom. Place the lid on the pan and immediately reduce the heat to medium. Once the kernels start popping, shake the pan every so often and listen to the pace of the popping: The kernels should pop rapid-fire and should continue as one long continuous burst. As soon as the popping slows to a few kernels at a time, turn off the heat. (If you find that your kernels are popping just a few at a time for a long time and aren't picking up speed, take a peek and see if the kernels are getting too dark without opening: You might need to start again if they're starting to burn. It'll be worth the redo!)Remove the lid and immediately add salt or other seasonings; tap the pot up and down to distribute the salt. Pour half the popcorn into a large serving bowl, then salt the remaining popcorn in the pan and add to the bowl.

BEST STOVETOP POPCORN

Steps:

• In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, combine the oil and 2 popcorn kernels. Cover the pot and wait for the kernels to pop, which might take a few minutes. In the meantime, place a large serving bowl near the stove so it's ready when you need it.
• Once the kernels pop, turn off the burner, remove the pot from the heat and pour in the remaining popcorn kernels. Cover the pot again, and give the pot a little shimmy to distribute the kernels evenly. Let the pot rest for 60 seconds to make sure the oil doesn't get too hot before the kernels are ready to pop.
• Turn the heat back up to medium, put the pot back onto the burner and continue cooking the popcorn, carefully shimmying the pot occasionally to cook the kernels evenly. Once the kernels start popping, tip the lid just a touch to allow steam to escape (see photo).
• Continue cooking until the popping sound slows to about one pop per every few seconds. (If the popcorn tries to overflow the pot, just tip the upper portion of popcorn into your bowl and return it to the heat.)
• Remove the lid and dump the popcorn into your serving bowl. Sprinkle the popcorn with a couple pinches of salt, to taste, and any other topping you would like. Toss the popcorn and serve immediately, for best flavor and texture. The popcorn will taste good for several hours, though.

PERFECT POPCORN

Steps:

• Place the oil, popcorn and salt in a large, 6-quart, metal mixing bowl. Cover with heavy-duty aluminum foil and poke 10 slits in the top with a knife.
• Place the bowl over medium heat and shake constantly using a pair of tongs to hold the bowl. Continue shaking until the popcorn finishes popping, approximately 3 minutes.
• Remove the bowl from the heat and carefully remove the foil. Stir in any salt that is on the side of the bowl.
• Melt the butter in the microwave. Slowly drizzle over the popcorn, while spinning the bowl. Serve immediately.