At our house, we have family movie night to help reduce costs and it's convenient. Some microwave popcorn options are good, but a little team effort and enthusiasm could lead to a personalized and unique popcorn experience. Occasionally, will we will go out for "the theater" experience, but tickets and snacks for a family of five can become an expensive evening.

This stovetop popcorn cooking method allows us to provides a serving of popcorn that can be seasoned anyway you like it.

Note: You can increase or decrease the measurements based on the size of your pot. The ratio below is based on a 6 quart / 5.7 liter stainless steel pot. This gives me enough space for the popcorn to expand in the pot and not overfill the pot.

You will need:

1/3 cup popcorn kernals
1/2 tbsp coconut oil
Large pot w/lid
Seasoning
Heat source

Step 1: Measure

Measure out 1/3 cup of popcorn kernels and 1/2 tbsp of coconut oil. You may use other cooking oils if you do not have coconut oil. My kids love Jolly Time Pop Corn. This brand costs about $1.20 for a 16 oz. bag.

Step 2: Start the Magic

Heat the pot with medium heat and add the coconut oil. Add the kernels and shake the pot to coat the kernels. Heat and moisture will cause the kernels to pop so place the lid on the pot and continue to heat while shaking the pot from side to side every 10 seconds. Keeping the kernels moving will help prevent burning.

You can lower the heat a little after the popping begins because the pressure will remain constant as long as the lid stays on. Continue shaking the pot from side to side in intervals. Popping will be rapid and you don't want any to burn.

Once you hear the popping slow to 1 pop every 2-3 seconds you can remove from heat. If you lift the lid at this point you may see a few kernels pop out of the pot.

Step 3: Season Popcorn

You can eat fresh popped popcorn in a lot of different ways as far as flavoring goes. I like to use a pommes frites seasoning mix from Deutschland. Salt, butter, taco seasoning, and chili powder are just a few other choices for seasoning popcorn. Please let me know what is your favorite flavoring for popcorn.