Friday is a an excellent day to go to the movies. It's the end of the week and you may be tired from work, but don't feel like staying in, so you'll head to the nearby theater to catch a flick. And while you're there you'll treat yourself to a nice bag of piping hot popcorn. As a matter of fact we should all treat ourselves to an airy handful of buttery, salty popcorn because today is National Popcorn Day! Since movie theater popcorn may not be the healthiest of indulgences, you could rent a film and make it at home instead! Homemade popcorn is a healthier alternative because you control the amount of salt and butter. Spice it up with all sorts of fabulous things - both sweet and savory - such as, black pepper, flavored salts, Parmesan cheese, cinnamon sugar and shaved chocolate. You don't need a special popcorn popper to whip up a batch. You just need a large pot, a stove, a little creativity, and a recipe. For the recipe, read more

Popcorn
Modified from Food Network

3 tablespoons peanut oil
3 ounces popcorn kernels, approximately 1/2 cup
1/2 teaspoon popcorn salt
3 tablespoons unsalted melted butter

1. Heat oil in deep pot over medium high heat.
2. Add corn. Cover pot and pop the corn, shaking pan often.
3. Remove from heat. Drizzle with melted butter. Serve.

Savory add ons:
sesame seeds and Chinese five spice
black pepper
Parmesan cheese
cheddar cheese
pecorino cheese
blue cheese
cumin
chipotle powder
fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, basil)
curry powder
infused oils
garlic powder

Sweet add ons:
caramel
chocolate (dark, milk, white)
brown butter
cinnamon sugar

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Check out this site for tips on popping the perfect popcorn.