Bacon Maple Popcorn: Good for Any Day of the Week

This recipe is short and easy. Similar to the last recipe, I don't have many pictures (I only have one) but that's due more from the fact that this recipe is so short, I could really only take one picture.

This recipe is so awesome, I've been making it for years. Since I was 15. So that's pretty cool, it's kinda part of my history. It requires five ingredients, and about 15 minutes of your time. The most fun part of this recipe is that you cook the popcorn kernels in rendered bacon fat, instead of vegetable or olive oil, which is what I'm used to doing. Also, it only requires one pot and another smaller bowl for the microwave (eek, I know, microwave?? It's only to melt the butter, so don't judge me too harshly).

Whatever event you make this popcorn for, people will love it. And people will love you! Even after it's been sitting out for a couple of hours, and the party is winding down, and there's only 4 people left, when the popcorn is soggy from age, it still tastes delicious. But maybe the delicious part is enjoying it with people you love...Nah, it's the bacon. #elkinthekitchen

Bacon Maple Popcorn

Ingredients
3 strips of bacon
1/2 cup popcorn kernels
3 Tbsp salted butter
3 Tbsp real maple syrup

Directions
1. In the same pot you plan on using for the popcorn, cook the bacon until crisp. Remove the bacon, but leave the rendered fat. Put the bacon strips aside and let cool.
2. With the heat on medium-low, drop one popcorn kernel into the rendered fat. Once the kernel pops, your fat is hot enough, and you can add in the remaining 1/2 cup of kernels. Put the lid on the pot and shake back and forth until you hear the popping com to a stop, about 3 minutes.
3. In a microwave safe bowl, melt the butter in the microwave. Once the butter is melted, add the maple syrup and stir to combine. Chop the bacon into little bits. Pour the maple butter over the popcorn, and sprinkle the bacon, and mix together with a big spoon, or your hands!
4. Feel free to add anymore butter or maple syrup to your popcorn, I won't tell anybody! I add extra sometimes too, because who cares? Enjoy!