Who doesn't love popcorn? The inevitable kernel shell lodging itself firmly into the gums or in between teeth is an inconvenience that can be tolerated when it comes to shoving handfuls of those fluffy starch puffs into your mouth. But if enjoying healthy popcorn is not an option for any reason, then I am presenting you with a way to turn your chemical and preservative-ridden flavored microwave popcorn into stovetop popped, healthier popcorn. I personally try to avoid microwaving as much as possible anyway, as cooking with real heat is always a better choice. 

Step one: Remove microwave popcorn bag from plastic wrapping, as usual.

Step two: Rip open popcorn bag, exposing the lipid and chemical constituted block inside.

Step three: Dump the contents into a colander. Be sure to check for any stray popcorn kernels left over in the bag.

Step four: Get some hot water running at your sink. Once the water is steaming (rather than simply warm), place the colander underneath, and proceed to wash the kernel mass. Since the water is steaming hot, the guck will simply melt off into the sink, and down the drain.

Step five: Once the naked kernels are exposed and thoroughly rinsed off, place a few pieces of paper towel on the table or counter, and pour the kernels out onto it. Proceed to pat them dry. You now have plain popcorn kernels. If you already know how to pop popcorn on the stove, then it is not necessary to read the remaining steps.

Step six: Place a pot large enough to provide enough room for the kernels to pop efficiently on the stovetop. Add enough oil (of the healthy variety) to thoroughly coat the bottom (enough so that it pools a bit when you tip the pot. A few teaspoons should do it).

Step seven: Pour the popcorn kernels into the pot, and heat it over medium to medium-high heat. Cover the pot (very important, as I’m sure you don’t want popcorn flying around your kitchen). It should take about 1 to 2 minutes for the kernels to start popping, and if you have a glass cover, it’s fun to watch them go. 

Step eight: Be sure to remain present while the kernels are popping, as (just like in the microwave) you don’t want to burn the popcorn. Once the popping subsides significantly, it’s ready to come off the heat. It’s also good to give the pot a shake every once and a while when the kernels are popping on the heat, to avoid burning things as much as possible.

Step nine: Once the pot is off the heat, make sure that all the popcorn is done popping before you remove the cover, by giving it a shake, and waiting for a minute or two. Once it’s been determined that the popping is finished, proceed to remove the top slowly. There will be a lot of steam that condensed on the cover, and it will sizzle when it falls back into the pot. Once you are in the clear, grab a bowl, pour in your fill, season to taste, and enjoy!