How to Make Perfect Popcorn

I’m very picky about my popcorn.  I will eat movie theater popcorn and might even enjoy it.  But the best, most perfect popcorn comes from my own kitchen.  Here’s my process for making the perfect popcorn:

1. Get a giant bowl.

2. Pour half of your your chosen buttery topping in the bottom of the empty bowl.

3. Air pop your popcorn into the giant bowl, stirring constantly and gently with a large spoon, to coat all the popcorn.

4. When the bowl is half full, pour half of remaining buttery topping on the popcorn and continue stirring.

5. When it is all done and the bowl is full, pour the rest of your buttery topping on top. Stir to combine.

6. If needed, season with salt and maybe even a little pepper.

Now what is “buttery topping”?  It is most definitely not the fake “buttery topping” from the movie theater.  There are so many ways to make a perfect buttery topping.  Here are a few of mine.

Secret Aardvark Garlic Buttery Topping

2 T. butter

2 T. olive oil

1 clove of garlic

1 tsp. Secret Aardvark Sauce

Salt

Pepper

Put butter, olive oil and Secret Aardvark sauce in a small pan.  Grate the clove of garlic into it.  Heat over medium heat until butter is melted.  Taste it – does it need salt and pepper?  Add it now!

Pesto Butter Topping

3 T. butter

1 T. your favorite kind of pesto

Salt

Pepper

Heat in a pan until butter and pesto are melted together.  Taste it.  Does it need salt and pepper?  Add it now!

Bad Breath Buttery Topping

1 shallot, minced

2 cloves of garlic, minced

1 bunch of chives, minced

3 T. butter

1 T. olive oil

Salt

Pepper

Place all ingredients in a small pan and cook over medium heat until butter is melted and shallot is tender, about five minutes.  Taste it.  Does it need salt and pepper?  Add it now!