The Best Popcorn... Ever

Family Favorite Popcorn

Approximately 1/3 cup unpopped popcorn kernels

2-3 tbsp virgin coconut oil (the stuff that still smells like coconut)
1/4 cup butter (or to taste)
Salt to taste

*Place a stainless-steel or other heavy-duty 3-quart saucepan on the stove and turn the heat to medium-high.  (You may use a 2-qt. pan, but decrease the amount of popcorn slightly.) 
*Spoon the coconut oil into the pan and wait a minute or two, until oil is melted and hot.
* Add the popcorn kernels and cover the pot, venting the lid slightly to let steam escape (but not enough for popping kernels to fly out. :) )  Alternatively, you may cover the pot tightly with aluminum foil, and use a sharp knife to poke several steam vents in the top of the foil.  Keep the heat set at medium-high, and listen for the sounds of popping... these should start within a minute or so. 
*Meanwhile, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat... this will only take about 2 minutes.
*As the pot fills up with popped corn, give it a few gentle shakes to encourage unpopped kernels to fall back to the bottom.  You need not shake the pot the whole time.  Listen carefully, and when the popping slows to a solid 1-2 seconds between pops, remove from the heat and carefully remove the lid or cover.
*Pour popcorn into a large serving bowl, and drizzle with melted butter and salt to taste.  I usually evenly drizzle about 1/3 of the butter over the popcorn, lightly sprinkle with salt, toss, and repeat two more times.  This ensures an even coating of butter and salt.  Serve immediately.

*This is just the way my kids like it best, but if you're feeling more adventurous, try sprinkling on some yummy add-ins like crushed rosemary and grated parmesan, garlic salt instead of regular salt, Italian seasoning, cinnamon-sugar in place of salt, etc.... mmmmm!  


*If you don't have virgin coconut oil, you can use other oils, but the popcorn won't have the same excellent flavor.  A good quality peanut oil is a close second to coconut oil, though. :)