Colonel Popper Old Fashioned Goodness

There's nothing like old fashioned popcorn. It definitely tastes better than the boxed, seasoned kind and its' not soaked in preservatives. However there is one problem. You have to stand by the stove and constantly shake the pan or pot to prevent burning. There's a solution - Colonel Popper. This is a silicone popper that gives you microwave popcorn.

I bought this for my brother - the absolute popcorn fanatic - for his birthday. I thought it would be a fun - much more healthier way to enjoy his favorite snack.

It folds within itself and pops out when you want to use it.

Neat huh? It has a cute lid with popcorn embossed on it.

To make the popcorn we bought the Stop & Shop kernels and Bertoli olive oil.

It was three tablespoons of oil and half a cup of the corn.

Three minutes later we had this.

It produced light fluffy and delicious popcorn. If you're going to pop corn, then use olive oil. It adds a sweetness to the flavor along with creating a deeper corn flavor. I sprinkled Celtic gray salt over it and this is by far this best tasting popcorn ever. I will never go back to those packets of microwave stuff. I may add some rosemary or Parmesan cheese next for something different. 

Get the Colonel Popper if you want good , old fashioned popcorn in a new fashioned microwave, then buy this container. You'll enjoy an all natural snack that beyond delicious and super healthy.

Colonel Popper can be bought at Amazon for $14.00

Honey Versus Sugar

Everyone needs some kind of sweetener, whether in their  coffee or tea along in their baked goods. We all know white sugar is bad for you. There is honey and raw sugar.The question is which is better? Which works well with drinks along with cooking needs.

Honey is nature's sweetener.It's been used since ancient times, starting with the Greeks and Romans.Depending on the flowers involved in making it, the stuff contains niacin, riboflavin and calcium,It also has iron in it along with zinc and potassium.,Honey also contains Vitamin C and is useful in tissue and cell repair. Raw sugar is actually white or refined sugar but with out the processing. It really is devoid of everything from calories to vitamins.It's slightly better for you than white sugar..If you want a more substantial sweeteener than go for molasses or even the cactus based agave.Honey also  adds more depth along with antioxidants to breads, cakes and cookies. Because of its' slight acidity, it reacts with the baking soda creating a moister, denser cake or loaf.

As far as portability raw sugar does win. There are packets that you can easily stash in a lunch bag or at your desk without any fuss . It also is easier to bake with as well  however honey is still the healthier ingredient.  Then there's the sticky  residue. Honey can be messy when it's spilled and a pain to clean up. Raw sugar can just be swept away.It's also better to take on vacations too because it is easier to pack. Then there' the coffee conundrum.Coffee almost cries out for sugar packets, Putting  an aromatic honey in a good cup of joe may clash with the drink's rich flavor. It's better with any kind of tea. Leave the raw sugar for your cappuccinos or lattes.

Honey or sugar - which is the better choice. For home stick with honey. It is used more and can be used in baking  and just to sweeten teas. For the office and vacations use the packets, but use them sparingly, You can have both , and both work well in those different and diverse situations.