Popcorn Without a Microwave, Part 2

>>Part 1

Here are my promised instructions for making popcorn with a popcorn popper.

Here is what a popcorn popper looks like (most do not have a crack in the lid, though). It has the white and black base that plugs into the wall--that part blows hot air all over the kernels so that they pop and then get blown out of the popper. The yellowish transparent lid covers it so that the popcorn is directed into the bowl instead of going all over your kitchen. The lid also has a hole in the top that holds a 1/2 cup measuring cup.

1. Take the lid off of the popcorn popper and add about 1/2 cup of kernels to the popper using the provided measuring cup. If you add less, the popper seems to blow the kernels out before they have a chance to pop. If you add a lot more, sometimes the kernels will sit there and burn without popping. Never, ever put oil or butter in with the kernels because it will set your popper on fire. You will add that later.

2. Replace the lid and the measuring cup and plug the popcorn popper in. Now the popper will do everything for you. I really think it's easier than microwave popcorn where you have to sit there and listen and decide if it's popping slow enough yet. You may need to spin the bowl if the popcorn is piling up too much on one side.

3. Unplug the popcorn popper when all the kernels have popped and been blown out. Usually there are a few old maids left in the popcorn popper that refuse to pop, so you can throw those away.

4. I like to add about 2 Tbsp. of melted butter. A lot of people seem to like it more buttery than that, but I don't like it to be too greasy since this is supposed to be a healthy snack. I sprinkle about half of the melted butter over the top of the popcorn, then mix it a few times with my hands, then sprinkle the rest of the butter, then mix again with my hands. After that I sprinkle on some salt. Or you can use the plain popcorn to make caramel popcorn, which is amazing, but unfortunately not a healthy snack.