i've recently become quite addicted to making my own popcorn; partly because it's a lot cheaper (69p for a decent sized bag of popping kernels that lasts you for at least 5 pops vs. £3 for 3 packs of microwavable ones), and partly because it's a lot healthier. do you really want to know what they put inside those microwavable ones? neither do i.
all you have to do is get about 2 tbsp of butter (or vegetable oil spread, or whatev you please), a non-stick sauce pan with a lid, and some kernels. you NEED the butter - listen to me on this one. i don't like using it because it adds the extra oils and such, but if you don't, the popcorn will burn immediately and you'll have wasted batch after batch before you realise that it's a necessity.
heat the pan up for about 3 minutes on high, then add the butter. wait until it's bubbling, and then add about 3/4 of a cup of kernels. turn down the heat to medium-high, and then continuously shake the kernels around so that none of them start burning. once you notice that the butter has seeped in a bit, put the lid on and alternate shaking it and keeping it on the burner (15 seconds each). when it begins popping, just keep it on the stove and do what you'd normally do for microwavable popcorn - listen for the popping to slow.
voila - healthy popcorn that provides fiber and happiness!
i've gotten into the habit of adding ground pepper on top - i have no idea why haha. of course, you can add salt and sugar to your liking, but if you're going to try and stay healthy, use something like cinnamon instead.
