Vanilla Popcorn

1/4 cup corn oil
1 split vanilla bean
3/4 cup popping corn
1 tablespoon superfine sugar
Salt
2 tablespoons melted butter

In a large heavy pot, heat corn oil over high heat until the oil smokes. Add 1 kernel popping corn and heat until kernel pops. Add vanilla bean and remaining popping corn; cover pot, and shake gently until corn starts to pop. Shake vigorously until popping subsides. Remove from heat. Remove vanilla bean and toss popcorn with sugar, salt and melted butter. Scrape seeds from vanilla bean and add to popcorn.