In our house, movie night is a really big deal. We go all out, sometimes with a double feature, and ALWAYS have a big batch of homemade popcorn. And yes, we are total popcorn snobs. No chewy, mushy, or hard popcorn full of old maids. And don't EVEN think about that toxic microwaved stuff (seriously, how can anybody call that toxic science experiment “popcorn"?!? So if you want to enjoy perfect light and buttery goodness, here are the secrets to the perfect batch. The Ingredients: ½ cup of yellow popcorn, 4 tablespoons refined coconut oil, half teaspoon of finely ground salt, ½ cup real butter (salted). Arteries be damned!!!I was going to add a section on the method, but I couldn't find any good videos or web pages that wouldn't confuse the matter. I added instructions with each link, but here's the consolidated version. The secret method: Add the oil, salt and 5 kernels to the pot and turn it up to high. When those kernels start to pop, add the rest of the kernels and remove the pot from the burner, but leave the burner on (important if you have an electric stove) Stir to fully coat the kernels in hot oil and wait for 30 seconds. After 30 seconds hold the pot a few inches over the stove and continue to stir (turn the crank) until you hear the first of the kernels pop. (I put the butter in the microwave for 30 seconds which serves as a simple timer.) Once it's hot enough that one kernel pops, return the pot to the stove and turn the crank constantly. The goal is to get it all popping pretty much instantaneously. This (along with the vents in the popper's lid) prevents the popcorn from getting chewy. As soon as the popping slows, remove IMMEDIATELY from the heat and dump into the bowl. I've usually got a few stray kernels still popping as I'm pouring - don't worry, that's the goal. Don't wait, because that will allow steam to collect in the pot which also makes it chewy. You can add more salt if you like at this point (we prefer mildly salted, but if you're a salt lover go for it) and pour the melted butter (slowly) while stirring.
