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One of my all-time favorite holiday snacks is making a big bowl of movie theater stovetop popcorn for me and my family to snack on while we watch Christmas movies. I have been making this popcorn for years, but honestly, it didn't start with me. It started with my momma many years ago when I was a little girl.

Growing up, my momma and I would lay on the floor during the holidays watching some of my very favorite Christmas shows. She would head to the kitchen and grab the big silver pan and I knew instantly what was about to happen. I would squeal with delight when I saw her place the popcorn pan on the stove because I knew that she was about to make delicious homemade stovetop popcorn.

She would grab the butter, and in another small saucepan, heat it on low and melt it, so that by the time our popcorn was done, the butter would be ready for drizzling.

Just writing this out, I am feeling a moment of nostalgia. If anything, my momma knew how to make a bad day better with a big bowl of that delicious popcorn.

And now, today, I do the same for my family. Except — I have a NEW secret ingredient that makes my stovetop popcorn taste like movie theater popcorn.

My Secret Ingredient for Movie Theater Stovetop Popcorn

Land O Lakes® has just released this brand new item and I am so in love with all that it does for my cooking and baking — and especially my stovetop popcorn.

You can find it at Kroger in the dairy section by all the other butter items. Use this coupon to save .75 off of one Soft Squeeze spread.

NEW Land O Lakes® Soft Squeeze™ Spread is a new and convenient way to add flavor to your dishes. I always keep butter on hand, but this new soft squeeze spread made with real butter will now live in my refrigerator forever from this point forward.

I love how easy it is to use for so many things (like the topping on my stovetop popcorn) and the best part? There's no mess on the lid and no crumbs to have to deal with.

Since 1921, Land O' Lakes has been a producer of dairy products, made with simple, quality ingredients. I have been a long time fan and user of their products and I am super pumped about their new easy squeeze spread.

There are other ways I plan on using this as well such as —

• Greasing my baking pans before baking a cake
• Topping my Restaurant Style Baked Potatoes
• Spread for my homemade pancakes (because I hate stiff squares of butter that don't spread well)
• Adding to my saute sauces

This Easy squeeze spread is definitely going to be a game changer for my cooking this holiday season.

How to Make Movie Theater Stovetop Popcorn

First, start with 3 tablespoons of popcorn popping oil. This is the butter flavored stuff you get that is right next to the popcorn. Please do not use vegetable oil. You need the butter flavored stuff to give it the movie theater taste.

To that, add three kernels of popcorn. I use the white popping corn kernels. They have two kinds at the store, so make sure to grab the bag that says white — not yellow.

Make sure the pan is pretty big, so as that your popcorn pops there will be room for it to expand.

Place on the stove on medium heat, covered. Wait for all three kernels to pop before adding the remainder of the popcorn. (you should be able to hear it.). You do this so your popcorn does not get soggy.

Once your three test kernels have popped, add the rest of the popcorn, and cover with a lid. Keep on medium heat.

I used 1/2 cup of popcorn, however, you can use more or less. Just don't overfill the pan so much that you have kernels that can't touch the bottom.

Once the popcorn starts popping, you can shake the pan a bit. This is important to make sure that all kernels cook evenly. Be careful though. Since there is hot oil in the pan, you do not want to shake it too hard and burn yourself by accident.

Also — don't try opening while the popping is going on. You might get popcorn all over your stove or on the floor.

Now, here is where my secret comes in!

Once the sound of popping kernels get three seconds apart, you know that your popcorn is done. You do not want burnt smelling popcorn in your home — trust me! It is the hardest smell to get rid of, so listen and take the popcorn off the stove as soon as you can.

Top with the NEW Land O Lakes® Soft Squeeze™ Spread and salt and then mix together. If you are up for a few different additions, you can add in some Parmesan, Ranch, or even chipotle seasoning for a whole different flavor of popcorn.

Be sure to check your Kroger and stock up for the holidays. Don't forget to download our .75 off coupon by clicking here.

What is your favorite holiday tradition?