A Love Affair: With Popcorn

Baby White. Organic Blue. Ladyfinger White. Multicolor. Red. Jolly Time. Orville Redenbacher. Movie Style. Kettle. Cheese. Caramel.

These are creative and fun names of popcorn I’ve enjoyed throughout my life. There’s nothing quite like the enticing smell of popcorn and butter floating in the air, tickling your tastebuds. The satisfying crunch and the delicious umami flavor of butter and salt in each bite. I'm not sure if it's the amazing taste or the tsunami of memories it releases each time I eat it, but somehow it always leaves me feeling nostalgic.

Photo by S. Williams

I have fond memories of eating popcorn and apples with my grandparents in front of a roaring fire. Or snacking on a big bowl while watching a football game with my dad. Popcorn at the movie theater, at the baseball game, around the campfire. Road trips. And of course, a necessity at game nights with the kids and their friends. It’s still a staple at our house as a snack. Or dinner. Or dare I say it? Day old popcorn for breakfast. Sigh.

Photo by S. Williams

Over the years, we’ve nuked it in the microwave, popped it on the stovetop or campfire, and relied on multiple iterations of Stir Crazy appliances for this tasty treat. But my favorite popcorn-making tool arrived last week. My husband gave me an early birthday present. It’s a stovetop popcorn maker aptly named a Popsmith. No electronics, no bells and whistles, no beeps when it's finished. Just a solid stainless-steel kettle and a lid with a handle to turn so the popcorn doesn’t scorch. Simple. Straightforward. Delicious. Of course I had to try it out right away. It lived up to the hype. Five minutes for fresh, tender, crunchy, salty popcorn. Dishwasher safe and it's pretty! You can even choose your own color. (This blog is not sponsored. I am just OBSESSED with my birthday present!)

Are you a popcorn aficionado? What's your favorite kind? How do you pop your corn?