Popcorn Palace

It wasn't until I worked at a movie theater that I truly appreciated good popcorn. I had never really understood the big deal about going to the movies and getting popcorn. During my two years at Cine Arts, though, I perfected my popcorn making skills making regular popcorn by adding different amounts of salt/flavoring and oil, and doing the butter shake (in which you have layers of butter and you shake the popcorn around in the bag). 

Now, microwave popcorn just isn't the same to me... 

Now when I go to the movies, I usually switch between Kettle Corn and regular popcorn, because my theater didn't serve Kettle corn, so I never got sick of it...

About two months ago, one of the kids in my neighborhood delivered a package of gourmet popcorn to our house. My mom failed to mention that she'd ordered it and so it was a surprise to me. Even though I am quite a popcorn connoisseur--at least when it comes to movie theaters--or popcorn snob ("That is so not real butter.")--I have never understood the gourmet popcorn appeal. 

During the holidays, it seems that gourmet popcorn is a common gift or handy snack. I never really liked it or understood why. Popcorn, by itself, and even with some salt and butter, isn't too bad for you...in moderation, of course. But adding sugar and caramel (I don't like "Carmel")? Is that necessary? 

My answer now is, YES. I was surprised to find that Popcorn Palace (from Chicago's Navy Pier), the brand of gourmet popcorn my mom had ordered, was delicious and dare I say, mouthwatering. Cookies & Cream was the first flavor I tried and was delighted to enjoy. They have other flavors like White Chocolate Cinnamon, Peanut Butter Drizzle, and Chocolate Fudge Brownie. I can't even imagine eating pumpkin pie or apple cobbler with bowls of those sitting around! 

This is something I'm sure to add to my notorious "Christmas Wish List: Guaranteed Satisfaction" for 2008.