January 19th is National Popcorn Day, a very happy day. This day is like Christmas part 2 for me. Because I'm definitely a popcorn fan. I remember falling in love with popcorn as a child. Not only is it a quick and easy snack to make, but it's also super crunchy and delicious.
For most Americans, popcorn is a pantry staple. This is mainly due to its association with fun. The joy of socializing, the thrill of watching a movie, and the joy of snacking. This versatile snack has been enjoyed for centuries and ranks among the top 10 favorite snacks.
Popcorn kernels come in many different colors and shapes, but all of them have a fluffy white interior when heated. The water inside the popcorn kernels reacts to the heat, causing the kernels to explode. Anyone who has ever popped popcorn must admit to the anxiety and outright fear that comes from the combination of a big heavy pot, hot butter or oil, and high heat. Once I mastered the art of popping popcorn in a pot on the stove, it became a constant presence in my life. I remember a long time ago when I experimented with jiffy pop It was a dish-shaped aluminum pot, but it almost ended in a burnt tragedy for me.
Then, with the introduction of home microwave ovens in the 1980s, came microwave popcorn. This invention allows anyone to pop popcorn anywhere in minutes. Microwave popcorn is one of the most convenient ways to make popcorn, but it's also one of the most unforgiving. A few seconds too long and the odor and potency will resemble a smoke bomb.
Why is movie theater popcorn so delicious? I think it's a combination of several things: the enticing aroma of butter and corn, the pseudo-butter, the orange-yellow appearance, and the extra-fine special salt. Not to mention the request for extra butter that sealed the deal. Movies and popcorn are a harmonious marriage, now a ritual.
There are popcorn specialty stores and online retailers to satisfy your sweet and savory cravings. These stores carry hundreds of flavors of popcorn that you can enjoy individually or combine to create your own unique blend. For me, this is very shocking. Because I always find that he can't decide on one or two things and ends up leaving looking like he just went shopping.
This weekend, catch up with friends and family while watching a good movie and eating popcorn, America's favorite snack. A salty caramel popcorn recipe in honor of National Popcorn Day.
