Now that doctors have found that making microwave popcorn can be hazardous to your health, I thought I'd take this opportunity to tell you about my very favorite tool for making popcorn. I've tried every method of making popcorn over the years and have discovered that the stove top Whirley Pop is the best, easiest way ever.

I used to be devoted to my air popper. The one I have used to belong to my grandparents and is so old that it has a coupon afixed to it that expired in 1985. It still works like a champ, but since I discovered the Whirley Pop, my air popper sits and collects dust. I first learned of the Whirley Pop when I went home for Christmas last year and was informed that it was the only thing my mom wanted for Christmas. She ended up getting two of them, and after closely examining the different models to see if one was made better than the other, we broke it out and started making popcorn. I stumbled across mine at a rummage sale just a few weeks later and have happily been using it ever since.

It was so easy and tasted much better than air popped (that might have something to do with the teaspoon of oil that the kernels get cooked in). You just pour in a little oil, add a couple handfuls of corn, close the lid and start turning the handle. There are two long legs inside that move with the cranking, stirring up the corn so that it doesn't stick or burn. In just a few minutes it starts to pop and soon after that it is all done. The pot keeps the kernels contained while popping, so you don't end up with errant corn all over your kitchen and it is easy to clean. My favorite way to season the corn is to give a light shower of Braggs Liquid Aminos (very similar to soy sauce in taste)

We launched a new blog here at headquarters: DIY Life. It's everything you need to know about how to do things in your life, from cooking to fixing your computer to home repair and design to making various crafts and everything else you want to know how to do.

They have a video up at the site right now about how to make your own stove top popcorn. It's actually very simple. Even more simple if you go to the supermarket and buy some Jiffy Pop and relive your childhood again. But if you want to make it from scratch, the full recipe is after the jump (and click here to see a video demonstration).