Pop culture

A few weeks ago I was standing in the popcorn aisle of the grocery store staring at the different sorts, brands, prices and quantities. Trip loves popcorn, he'd eat it every day. But, with prices at just under a dollar per individual serving, it can get expensive. I grabbed the big jug o'kernels on the top shelf and gave it a lookie.

For just under $6, I have 30 oz. of popcorn kernels to use at my disposal, in whatever quantity I want, with whatever toppings I want. Compare that to buying three 3.5 oz bags of butter laden popcorn for $3. I think you get my drift. That jug o'kernels had a new home.

I've never bought popcorn kernels for fear that is was messy, I needed a specific machine, and that it was dangerous. Not so, my friends! Last night was our first attempt at making them, and I'm happy to share the experience.



First, put three or so kernels in about a tablespoon of oil (we used canola, higher smoke point than olive oil). Cover the pot, and when you hear the first kernel pop, pour 1/2 cup of kernels into the pot and COVER again. The covering is very important, or it will be like the fourth of July on your stove.



Here you can see Trip modeling his new mullet and demonstrating the second step of home popping. After you pour the kernels into the pot and cover it, swirl the pot around on the burner so as not to burn the kernels on the bottom. Listen for the kernels to slow down to a pop every three seconds, and remove from heat.



Use a bigger pot than we did!



Voila! Custom popcorn and chamomile tea, started at the same time and finished at the same time (5 minutes, about the same as preparing a microwaveable bag). Now we both have the freedom to prepare popcorn the ways we like it. For instance, I like mine very plain, with just some olive oil. Trip likes his loaded up with salt, black pepper, butter, and sometimes red pepper, which is awful. No more popcorn arguments, though surely something else will fill their spot... Also a plus, there is no smell like the microwave popcorn makes. It's very clean, as you only need to wash the pot it was prepared in.



If only the movie we watched was as good...