Heat the oil or butter in a thick-bottomed saucepan on medium high heat and allow to melt completely.

Put a few popcorn kernels into the melted butter or oil.

Wait for the popcorn kernels to pop.

When the kernels pop, add the rest of the cup of popcorn kernels in an even layer.

Cover the pot, remove from heat and count 30 to 40 seconds.

Return the pan to the heat.

The popcorn should begin popping soon, and all at once.

Once the popping starts in earnest, gently shake the pan by moving it back and forth over the burner.

Once the popping slows to several seconds between pops, remove the pan from the heat.

Immediately sprinke the pinch of salt and the sugar (to your own consumption).

Place the pan back on the burner for a few seconds and remove the pan from the heat completely.

Remove the lid, and dump the popcorn immediately into a wide bowl.

Melt butter in the empty hot pan and drizzle the melted butter over the popcorn and toss to distribute.

Sprinkle the popcorn with powdered milk (optional).

Serve immediately.