Good Eats Wednesday

Its As Simple As Popcorn

Image via Food Network.

A short and sweet Valentine dedicated to my Grandfather.


Last night, I had a big bowl of popcorn for dinner, and cozied up on the couch to watch a gazillion episodes of The Office. I sat on the couch and thought longily of my grandfather who taught me how to eat popcorn his way... and I've been in love with it ever since.

A simple recipe with a kick...

At the young age of three, I would spend the night with my grandparents who lived next door. I loved to spend the nights over there, because I would wear grandma's long frilly gowns after my evening bath. Then I would help my grandpa make popcorn in the kitchen for our late-night snack. I suppose at that age, I wasn't really helping, rather I was absorbing his every move with fascination and awe.

First he would pop the popcorn in the microwave. Then melt a tablespoon of butter and pour it over the popcorn. Then he would add garlic salt and a couple sprinkles of Tabasco sauce. The garlicky-buttery, salty, tang with a punch of heat was pure heaven and quickly adjusted my tastebuds at such an early age to appreciate foods with flavor.

Now my grandpa and I are both many years older, and I don't get to see him very often. We live in different states and he is in an assisted living facility with mild dimensia... although he still has a quick wit about him and I'm sure he would remember those days when we mention it to him.

Here is a photo my Dad sent to me on Monday via the camera phone ... he is still eating his popcorn after all these years.

I love you Papaw.