Stir Crazy

In working towards my 2013 goals I signed myself up for a "Project 52". Everyone submits one picture a week under the chosen theme and sometimes there are prizes. This week is "Time" for which I submitted the below photograph.

It may seem peculiar but popcorn is something that has stood the test of time in my life. It evokes strong childhood memories of my mother, sisters and I gathered together around the old yellow Tuperware bowl (I found the green bowl pictured below at a garage sale a few years back and just about cried with delight, it is now my treasured "popcorn bowl"). The sights, smells, and crunch immediately bring me comfort and joy. It was not long after I left home that I invested in my very own "West Bend Stir Crazy Popcorn Popper". In my house no other methods or makers are worth it. I am known to my friends as a popcorn snob, and I'm alright with that label. Heck, I even welcome it! A few months back my sister "the chef" introduced me to gourmet popcorn. I can't believe I made it this many years with only having tried Kettle, Carmel, and regular salted popcorn. My senses have been awakened to an entire new realm of popcorn possibilities and I am in heaven.

For Christmas this year I reinvented myself as "Lindsay's Gourmet Popcorn" and a few of my lucky friends might have received a take out container or two with my fun and flavorful popcorn. A new Christmas tradition has now been instated.

The recipe's I've been playing with are as follows:
-Sweet and Spicy Curried Popcorn to which my sister suggested adding cumin (fantastic addition!).
-Sweet Chipotle Popcorn. I used the same measurements as the above recipe but made up my own list of ingredients (cinnamon, chipotle powder, salt, and of course the necessary honey butter at the end).
-Black Truffle Bacon Popcorn.  Black truffle salt, bacon grease, salt, and honey butter. The black truffle salt was a gift from my sister and I thank her every time I use it.

Now my secret popcorn addiction has been laid bare. I will even admit to following in the footsteps of my mother and offering popcorn for dinner if the hubby is gone for the night! Thanks Mom!