My childhood popcorn memory: A big, alien spaceship looking contraption sitting on an avocado coloured counter. Plug in the three prongs and dial up the heat. A little butter placed strategically in the middle of the rounded, metal bottom that sits on four corn-yellow, plastic feet and base. Toss some kernels on top of the sizzling liquid and quickly put the clear, plastic helmet on top of the base before getting splattered with the bullets of hot butter. The top had a holed-out area for the smelly vapours to escape from. Just like the jar you kept your pet praying mantis in.

Something similar to this:

In our family, I have decided that I don't want the popcorn-making experience to be one where the Wee Ladies put a bag that reads THIS SIDE UP and has what feels like a bunch of kernels surrounded by jellied, chemically flavoured goo into the microwave only to have them press the popcorn button and wait while leaning against the oven as they bite their nails as they bask in the radioactive micro-waves. BEEP! It's ready, Mom! I don't want the ending to be them pulling open the bag only to be captured by all of the chemical run-off as they inhale the carcinogenic fumes.

Instead, we will buy the kernels as is. And put them in the stainless steel pot on the stove. First melting the butter and adding a little salt. Then, throwing in the kernels and putting the lid on. Wait for it! Slowly they begin to pop and ricochet off the lid as they bounce all over the pot. It smells so good. And so what if it takes a few more minutes than the programmed microwave setting? This is real popcorn making, friends.

I also think that it is mandatory that the Wee Ladies learn to use the Jiffy Pop properly. And not over the stove. No. Over a fire. Watch the foil expand as the kernels pop. Use a wet towel to take it off the fire so you don't totally burn yourself. Taste the smoky, campy flavour in addition to the simulated butter. Probably not that great for you, but a good memory nonetheless.

The best part about making popcorn from scratch, if you will, is the greater number of half-popped kernels. They are my favourite and I will hunt through the bowl just to find them hiding at the bottom. You know the kernels that have partially popped- the extra crunchy ones.

I think it's a good way to spend family movie night. Making popcorn and then fighting over the half-popped ones.

And no seasoning allowed.

All's I'm sayin's all.

PS Congrats to S.H. who won the Oral B Stages giveaway! Thanks to all who entered!