popcorn

When was the last time you made popcorn?  I'm not talking about popping a greasy bag into the microwave and pushing the right button.  Or even using an air popper, which is just another gadget to drag out of the cupboard or gather dust on your counter.  I'm talking about popping popcorn, real corn kernels in a pan on the stove.  I did tonight.  For the boy and the niece, while they watched Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban in a nearly-darkened house.  The niece asked, "Is that real popcorn?"  And the boy was amazed that the popcorn tasted buttery.  "That's because I popped it in butter," I said.  I served it in paper bags, with a little salt.  They eached dumped a bag of M & M's in the bottom, like we always do at the movie theater.

Try it.  Medium heat, a big pot with a lid.  Add a little vegetable or otherwise unflavored oil and a tablespoon of butter.  Add a layer of popcorn to cover the bottom of the pan.  Shake the pot over the heat, and when you hear those kernels start to burst, tilt the lid of the pan to let the steam out.  Keep shaking until the pops slow, and remove from the heat.  Season and serve.  Try it with coconut oil for an exotic and healthy treat.  Play with your seasonings-cury powder, Old Bay seasoning, rosemary and garlic.  Have fun.  Enjoy!  It's real popcorn.  Real Food.