Lightly Sweet ’n Salty Crispy Butter Popcorn

Step 1: Pop the kernels using your preferred method, either a popcorn maker or the stovetop. For stovetop directions, continue with the next section.

Step 2: Melt clarified butter in a large pot over medium-high heat, or over medium heat if your stove runs strong. Add a few popcorn kernels and wait for them to pop, which means the fat is hot enough. Quickly remove the test popcorn.

Step 3: Add the remaining popcorn. Lift the pot off the stove, shake it to spread the kernels evenly, then cover with a lid and return it to the heat. Once the popping really gets going, gently shake the pot once.

Step 4: Remove the pot from the heat when the popping largely stops, with about 3 seconds between pops. Transfer the popcorn to a very large bowl.

Step 5: Put the salt in a mortar and pestle and grind it into a fine powder. You can also use a spice grinder. You will not use all of it, but a smaller amount is harder to grind.

Step 6: Drizzle the melted clarified butter over the popcorn. Sprinkle with half the popcorn salt, then use a small sieve to dust it with half the icing sugar.

Step 7: Toss the popcorn very well in the large bowl. Sprinkle with the remaining popcorn salt and dust with the remaining icing sugar, then toss well again. Add more sugar or salt to taste if you like.