Life Changing Popcorn

So I love popcorn. But I don't really like those itty bitty bags of popcorn you put in a microwave. I hate having to stick my hand in that greasy pit. And I broke my air popper, plus I hate having a thousand appliances that only do one thing.  

I've tried the trick where you put kernels in a paper bag and then microwave it, but it doesn't work very well and you still end up with this gross bag you have to throw away. Killing trees for popcorn; not my thing. Today, I discovered that you can microwave kernels in an actual bowl (has to be glass or otherwise microwave safe, I used a regular cereal bowl) with just a plate on top (also has to be microwave safe).  It is AMAZING!  It pops up just like an air popper and when you pull it out it is already in a bowl instead of having to transfer it into one. Even better, I put butter in the bowl with the popcorn and it came out as perfectly buttered popcorn.  Much better than trying to pour melted butter on top of already popped corn and then mix it in.  
Some important tips:

1.  Use a clear bowl so you know if it starts to overflow. The popcorn won't push the plate off, but it will start to crush the popcorn. 
   
2. For 1/4 of a cup of kernels you should cook it for about 2 and a half minutes on high.  I used much less so I just went 1 minute and then 30 second increments until it was all popped
3. You can re-pop any kernels that don't pop, so underestimate on the time and feel free to stop and start again. 
4. ENJOY!