Pop Pop Pop

1. Stage

Pour enough oil into the pot to coat the bottom and heat on medium-high heat until the oil shimmers. That means it's hot enough to pop your kernels.

2. Stage

Add enough popcorn kernels to make a single layer on the bottom of the pot. Reduce the heat to medium, and put the lid on the pot. When you hear the kernels start to pop, hold on to the handles (use the potholders), and shake the pot over the heat source while the popcorn pops.

3. Stage

When the popping slows down to the point that you don't hear a pop for 10 seconds, take the pot off of the burner, and turn off the stove. Don't worry if you hear a few more pops coming from the pot.

4. Stage

Take off the lid, and dump the popcorn into the serving bowl. (This can be exciting if there are a few late poppers.) If your pot's really heavy, get an adult to dump it for you. Sprinkle a seasoning mix on the popcorn, and toss it with your hands.

5. Stage

Feel free to mix it up with one of these flavorful variations! Simply mix in the ingredients to spice up the classic snack. Go Italian: Add a handful of grated parmesan cheese, a sprinkle of garlic powder and a sprinkle of mixed Italian herbs to the popcorn. Sugar and Spice: Add a shake of cayenne pepper, a sprinkle of garlic powder, a shake of celery salt and a dash of salt. Double Feature: Mix in a handful of peanuts, a handful of chocolate candies, and a sprinkle of salt. You'll be my BFF: Simply add a sprinkle of nutritional yeast, (found in health food stores), and a dash of salt.