Popcorn POLL: How do you kill the popcorn jones?

[Jenise]

I opened a 96 Lynch Moussas (Bordeaux) last night whose wonderful nose reminded me of popcorn sprinkled with truffle oil, so of course nothing would do but that we actually have a pot of popcorn with truffle oil, and have it we did. The popcorn was white kernel corn, a bag called "Starving Farmer" that we bought at a farm stand outside Spokane a few months ago, and which I popped in an old aluminum kettle that once belonged to my great great grandparents (it doesn't even have handles, instead it has a bail for hanging over a fire). (A big shout out to whoever here suggested the truffle oil condiment, btw--Bob Ross, was that you?--I'm not into flavors and never thought anything could woo me away from butter, but we love the truffle oil for the way it imparts a lot of flavor with very little fat, and oh what a good flavor it is. It is now what we prefer.)

While munching, Bob wanted to know why white. I said because its different. He said he prefers yellow and so does everyone else because "it's fluffier." I agreed that most people prefer yellow but that's because that's what Orville Redenbacher makes. I do think there are a lot of people who have never tried white. Heck, there are a lot of people who have never actually popped their own popcorn--they buy those microwave bags. Why would anyone like white then, he wanted to know, "they taste the same." I said no, absolutely not, to my tastes white is sharper. Might, in fact, be the better choice for truffle oil than yellow would be. He didn't understand what I meant by sharper, so I said, "Like medium vs. sharp cheddar. More intensity." He demanded that we have a side by side comparison of white and yellow over the next few weeks and settle the matter once and for all. So we shall.

I have no doubt that side by side, I'll choose white. And I know I'll be in the minority in this poll, but I'll be happy to see one or two others who share my preference. Choose a color, and then indicate your preferred preparation method.

[Robin Garr]

I'll eat popcorn in the movies or at the ball game, but I never "jones" for it and can't recall the last time we ever popped any at home. So for me it's a big shrug.

I think I'd go for the yellow, though, Jenise. It's not so pallid.

I buy bulk popcorn (white or yellow) and usually pop it in a pan. My seasonings are varying combinations and permutations of butter, Parmesan, salt, Sucanat and cayenne. I'm with you in not liking the microwave (usually burned) stuff.

I agreed that most people prefer yellow but that's because that's what Orville Redenbacher makes.

Orville Redenbacher sells both yellow and white. I know this because I send jars of the white to me Dad.

You didn't really cover SWMBO's practice - "Use an air popper that sprays popcorn all over the kitchen floor while you are telling your husband why it was such a great buy"

[Jenise]

Orville Redenbacher sells both yellow and white. I know this because I send jars of the white to me Dad.

Not all that surprised, though I've never seen it. Probably a regional preference thing. On the west coast, it's all yellow. Come to think of it, that's why you're sending it to your Dad--he's in Carmel, right?

[Jenise]

You didn't really cover SWMBO's practice - "Use an air popper that sprays popcorn all over the kitchen floor while you are telling your husband why it was such a great buy"

Appliance irritation has been a recurring theme lately with your posts, Bill. Maybe you and SWMBO should see a therapist before someone calls Small Appliance Rescue.

I use both white and yellow fresh popcorn kernels. I like them both. I pop it in the microwave in a dish designed for popping corn. I've used walnut oil, hazelnut oil and which ever seasonings that strikes my fancy that day. I experiment all the time. Even Parmesan cheese is great. When I pop corn again I will try the truffle oil and a bit of truffle salt. Sounds delish!

Help please. I Googled and found out that "jones" is neither an "archie" nor an "elmer". Beyond that, lots of people named Jones but no definition that puts it in context with this thread. I sort of presume it means an "urging for" but would appreciate clarification.

Thanks
Rogov

Appliance irritation has been a recurring theme lately with your posts, Bill. Maybe you and SWMBO should see a therapist before someone calls Small Appliance Rescue.

The appliance in question sits unused under a table and any popcorn that gets popped chez nous is done in a lidded pot on the stove - she concluded that having to toss out the packaging from microwave packets wasn't necessarily environmentally friendly. Domestic bliss is thus restored. The mental image of her telling me what a great idea that contraption was, right at the point where it started spewing popcorn over the top of the bowl meant to catch it onto the floor is one that I shall long savour, however.

We get to 'win' so few of these domestic contests......

Only get a popcorn jones when I walk into a movie theatre and smell it. Then I must have it! Lots of fake butter layered into the bag. Gross, I know...

[Jenise]

Help please. I Googled and found out that "jones" is neither an "archie" nor an "elmer". Beyond that, lots of people named Jones but no definition that puts it in context with this thread. I sort of presume it means an "urging for" but would appreciate clarification.

Thanks
Rogov

Indeed, it speaks to an urge, though the desperation implied by 'craving' is probably more to the point--the term originated in drug culture in the 60's so far as I know, meaning 'addiction'. It's use has softened since then and become more mainstream. As such it is also frequently used as a verb, as in "I've been jones-ing for pizza lately."

Currently we use the packaged microwave stuff. Just faster is all. Growing up my Mom fixed it in a pot on the stove with some oil. We even had a popcorn basket made out of something that looked like window screen with a long handle that we would hold over coals. I've got a special dish for using regular popcorn in the m-wave and a hot-air popper, too. All are fine, but it all tastes the same to me, however I'm not much of a popcorn fanatic. As a side note, I seldom have any problem with burned m-wave popcorn.

Rogov, when in doubt, turn to the Urban Dictionary:

http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Jones

I'm just not a popcorn person. Don't even eat it at the movies. Can't remember the last time I made it at home.

Have you considered seeing a doctor?

Jenise,

Once in a blue moon I also get the "Popcorn Jones". I grew up in a house where, once we had a microwave, I made microwave popcorn for my Dad every night. He ate it instead of dessert.

My hubby doesn't like popcorn (except for caramel corn). When I do make it (probably twice a yr), I usually use yellow. I find, and this is probably totally unsubstantiated, that yellow popcorn is crispier. When I have done the white popcorn, the kernels are "softer" and less "crunchy". I am not sure about any flavour difference...never noticed any.

I use a brown paper bag, place the kernels in there, and pop away. When there is more than 1 second between pops I stop. I usually add butter...but I have also done the truffle oil (YUM) and olive oil w/ Parm (also YUM!).

But really all food is YUM, expect for Bell peppers which are just evil LOL!

Let us know how your white vs. yellow tasting goes!

Rogov, when in doubt, turn to the Urban Dictionary:

http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Jones

It's a valid Scrabble word, that's the important thing!

Rogov, when in doubt, turn to the Urban Dictionary:

http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Jones

It's a valid Scrabble word, that's the important thing!

Are you really a Scrabble nut? (I'm not). Google Alice Van Leunen & Scrabble. (She's my roommate).

I love popcorn. Probably make it about once per week. Like both the yellow and the white.

If you like to make popcorn at home I don't know why you would use anything but The Whirley Pop.
It's what I use.

http://www.popcornpopper.com/24000.html

(You can also - with a couple of simple modifications - use the Whirley Pop to roast your own coffee beans).

I'm just not a popcorn person.

I'm not either, Mike.

When my ship comes in I'm going to get this one.

http://www.popcornpopper.com/hothcopo4oz.html

[Jenise]

I love popcorn. Probably make it about once per week. Like both the yellow and the white.

If you like to make popcorn at home I don't know why you would use anything but The Whirley Pop.
It's what I use.

http://www.popcornpopper.com/24000.html

(You can also - with a couple of simple modifications - use the Whirley Pop to roast your own coffee beans).

Never used a Whirley Pop, or even seen one used. It's that effective, eh? Truly no kernels left unpopped? If I made popcorn more often (we give in only about 2-3 times a year for us--would be more if I could handle the carbs), based on a reccomendation like yours I would buy one. As it is, can't afford the space for a single-use item.

Rogov, when in doubt, turn to the Urban Dictionary:

http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Jones

It's a valid Scrabble word, that's the important thing!

Are you really a Scrabble nut? (I'm not). Google Alice Van Leunen & Scrabble. (She's my roommate).

I am indeed! Most days I play 2-4 games online in the evenings, and Gail & I always take the board game along when we travel, even camping.