My little siblings and I never really get along. However, when we make popcorn, I would forget about all of our petty-sibling arguments and the three of us would laugh, joke around, and even have fun. I think it is reasonable to think that our popcorn based-happiness stemmed from having a health-freak mother who banned sugared cereals and the like. So, as an excuse to eat an unhealthy treat, we would convince mom that popcorn “it’s just corn!” and it usually worked. Something about the satisfaction of being able to chomp on light, airy, crunchy, salty, fresh popcorn made everything seem better. So, my favorite food memories always have to do with popcorn because it is the one thing that brings my siblings and me closer. One of my absolute favorite memories is the first time we had Jiffy Pop this summer; a brand of popcorn that is intended for camping because of its unique design that allows it to be held over a fire. But, the three of us kids are in no way, shape, or form outdoorsy, so our Jiffy Pop was made over the stove in the kitchen. For most people, it is nothing special. For instance, it can be found in most grocery stores or gas stations. On the other hand, I don’t only view Jiffy Pop as amusing and clever, but it serves a beacon of light in the darkness of our sibling wars. The popcorn kernels are located inside a “specialized popping pan”, which you suspend over a fire and shake. As the kernels pop, the tin-foil cover becomes filled with popcorn and spirals upwards: resulting in a giant, popcorn filled sphere. The best part for Krae, Noa and I was carefully peeling away the tin-foil, revealing a, warm, perfectly salted, delicious mound of popcorn. The expression on our faces when we first caught a glimpse of the popcorn was probably comparable to being handed a million dollars. We gobbled down the popcorn in record time, probably because we have quite a lot of help from the dog, who also loves this treat. When there is no popcorn left, the stupid-petty-sibling arguments resume. At least it’s nice to know that I can have a good time with my brother and sister.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Food Memory: Popcorn
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I have made popcorn from scratch many times and found it to be so entertaining. The popcorn that comes in the mass produced, microwavable baggies seems to be not only chemically enhanced and therefore less nutritious but also less tasty and fun as a result. It is as if every time i return home my mother has purchased a can of popcorn kernels for us to do with as we please. I can remember as a child making mounds and mounds of popcorn over the stove with the purest oil that my parents brought back from Italy. Sprinkling just the right amount of salt and grating delicious Parmesan cheese on top produces an effect that you just cannot get from Orville Redenbacher and the like. Making food from scratch creates memories to last a lifetime and tastes to go along with them.
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