Old-Fashioned Popcorn and Memories

Okay, so have you ever had old-fashioned popcorn on the stove? I'm an eighties kid and remember when it was 'before microwave popcorn'. Mom used to have, what was it? Jiffy Pop? Which had foil that expanded on the top? No. That's not what I'm talking about here. I mean, just some oil, kernels, salt and butter cooked on the stove-top. For me, it brings back some fond memories of sitting in front of the tv with my family (yes, my family only had one back then so we had to share, and heaven forbid we all spend time together) and watching Star Trek: The Next Generation...HA! My dad is a total Sci-Fi dork...Love ya, Daddy ;-) Actually, I liked it too, had no choice really but I honestly did like it. I can quote the opening segment to this day... Anyway...I'm getting off on a tangent...What was I talking about? Oh yeah, family memories. SO, this is something we love to do with our girls. We pick a movie and I pop some old-fashioned popcorn and we spend time with the lights off like we are at the theater. They LOVE it! and so do I. My mom taught me this method which she learned from my Gramps (who still pops it this way every night, as far as I know). What's great too is you don't get any of the garbage that comes in a bag with all the preservatives and processed butter flavoring. Just some salt is actually quite nice, so feel free to skip the butter if you prefer. It tastes so fresh and YAY! It's not a lot of calories! SOo without further adieu...here goes nothin!

(By the way, you are a part of the Redheaded Princess's first ever video tutorial...aren't y'all lucky? ;-))

A view of my 3 Princesses on movie night at "The Castle" American Girl dolls a set up ready to watch! Had to share, they're so sweet, but then again I AM partial...

Ingredients

Vegetable Oil

popcorn kernels

butter

salt

So all you need are some popcorn kernels found where popcorn is sold in your grocery store. I get it cheap at Walmart for less than two bucks for a big bag. Which, by the way, can last at least 6 months if not longer since you don't use many kernels at a time.

First, pour maybe a tablespoon of oil in a pot just to coat the bottom. This makes enough for my family to each have a serving. Use a bigger pot if you want more. (Note: Use a bigger pot, don't just add more kernels, it'll overflow the pot and lift the lid. I've found that if you fill the bottom with kernels, usually whatever pot you use will be full of popcorn when finished) Turn the heat to medium high.

Next, sprinkle handfuls of kernels so that they are one kernel deep in the oil. Put a lid on and wait. Don't go too far! You'll forget...trust me. When the popcorn begins to pop. Shake the pot back and forth until the kernels stop popping. Pour in a large bowl and sprinkle with some salt. Toss some butter in the hot pot and remove from the burner so the butter doesn't burn. Pour melted butter on the popped corn and go make some family memories!

Check out my video below for a short video demonstrating the process.

Crocheted Blanket with Variegated Yarn

Okay, so this post will be short and sweet :) So this is a pattern I LOVE to make for my friends who are having babies. Initially when I made this blanket, I didn't realize how big it was. BUT, I am so glad it is. It takes a little longer to make than a baby size blanket, but what is nice is that it's a blanket that can grow with them. This particular blanket in the picture is one I made for my parents to match the quilt I made them a couple years ago. I love to use the 100% cotton yarn Sugar n' Cream. It has a heavier weight to it, which I love. I discovered that Walmart has larger skeins of this type of yarn whereas your typical craft stores usually have smaller ones. Another thing which is great is that it has the same stitch all the way through, so it kinda becomes 'mindless' so that you can watch TV without really being able to mess it up too much. You don't have to be super focused. Yay :) Hope you enjoy the pattern!

Just follow this link to the original pattern.

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork BBQ

Okay, so I LOVE this recipe for pulled pork. I can't remember where exactly I got the rub recipe,  but it's so delicious. And, of course, I use my own Jack Daniels BBQ Sauce (though you can use your favorite) with this. It's super simple. You just make the rub and put it in the slow cooker before bed, and then 'pull' the pork in the AM and let it cook on low. Hope you love this as much as I do.

Ingredients:

2 T. chili powder

1 T. onion powder

1-1/2 tsp. garlic powder

2 tsp. kosher salt

1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

pinch of cayenne pepper, optional

5 lb boneless pork butt, shoulder, or picnic

2 cups BBQ sauce

Directions:

1. Mix together all of the spices and rub all over the pork.

Place in a larger slow cooker, add 1/2 cup water and put the lid on. Cook on low for 10 hours. I usually will put it in at 9pm and the next morning at 7am I will pull the pork.

Remove pork from the slow cooker and set aside to cool.

There will be a lot of juices left. Strain (if desired) or pour liquid into a large mixing bowl. Set aside.

Using two forks while the pork is hot (and switching to your fingers once it's cool enough to handle) 'pull' or shred the pork. Discard the skin and any fat. They always say that the best tools for the kitchen are the ones God gave ya, your hands. I completely agree. When you use your fingers to pull the pork, you can feel the fat much better because of the texture. Just pull all the meat off the bone and discard the waste. Place the pulled pork back in the slow cooker.

Skim the fat off the top of the juices. My mother in law told me that a trick her mother in law used was to put the juices in the freezer as your are working on other parts of the meal. The fat will harden on the top making it easier to scoop out. I haven't tried this yet, mainly because I forget about it till I'm already skimming the fat :-/, but one day I'll let you know how it turns out.

Mix in the two cups of BBQ sauce with the juices.

Pour mixture over pork and toss to coat. Replace the lid and cook on low for 2 hours. (I've let mine cook longer and it's done fine)

Next, serve it on a plate with a side of coleslaw OR make sandwiches with coleslaw on top. Let me tell ya, these are AMAZING! Just try it...and don't forget to put the slaw ON the sandwich. Enjoy!

To Print the RECIPE ONLY Click HERE

**A Storage Tip**

I use this method for SO many things. It works so great! Just portion the pork into individual servings in plastic disposable cups. Place into freezer until frozen. Cut three slits in the cup with some kitchen shears and pull the cup away. Toss into your plastic recycling. Place the frozen individual blocks into a large gallon freezer bag. To heat, just put on a microwave safe dish and microwave for 2-3.5 minutes, stopping halfway to break it up and stir.