the temperature, the oil is hot enough if the corn is sizzling. if the corn is placed into the oil too early, the kernels will soak up too much oil.
add the popcorn into the pot, cover with the lid, shake every so often to keep the kernels from burning. when you start to hear the popping, shake the pot and crack the lid to help moisture escape. (some kernels may fly out of the pot, but this will keep the popcorn from getting soggy.) lift the pan above the heat and shake, return pot to the heat. continue until the popping stops and you don't hear kernels rattling on the 