For the Love of Popcorn

I grew up in a home that considered popcorn Sunday dinner. I'm not joking--that's what we had for dinner on Sundays. My parents still do that. So does my cousin. Our family sometimes keeps the tradition too.



Your everyday microwave popcorn is good in a pinch, but here is how you have a real popcorn experience:

2T. Vegetable oil

2/3 C. "Tiny Tenders" popcorn,from the country store on the crooked road in Flora, Indiana (population: 2,000something) We bought 25 lbs. during our Christmas visit, but they also ship.

A sprinkling of Kirk's butter-flavored popcorn salt to compliment

At least one hungry person

Heat up your oil in the bottom of a well-seasoned Whirley Pop Popper. When the oil is nice and hot throw in your kernels and close the lid. Now get out your entire set of mixing bowls and set them right next to the stove. Turn the popper's handle every once in a while. When you hear the beautiful sound of popping along with sizzling, begin cranking continually. You'll hear the popcorn reach the top and cranking will be almost impossible. This is the moment! Dump it all into your largest mixing bowl and add some Kirk's to finish your masterpiece.

Popcorn etiquette: when eating popcorn, it is customary to cram a double handful into your mouth. Also, the tradition of eating with your mouth closed does not apply to popcorn. It is, however, polite to discretely pick up any stray pieces that inadvertently fall from your mouth when you laugh too hard. Also, hitting and scratching is not acceptable practice in capturing the wonderful half-popped kernels in the bottom of the bowl.

Little known fact about popcorn (according to Almonzo Wilder of the Little House series): If you pour a cup of milk to the brim then add one piece of popcorn at a time, you can fill the cup completely full of popcorn without spilling any milk. Popcorn is the only thing that can do that.

So, tomorrow night, break out the kernels and enjoy it while it's hot!