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Bring back good popcorn
MetroCreative
My dentist offers trinkets at the checkout desk to mollify me after paying for the hour my mouth was open with practically a whole tool box crammed in it .
It ’ s usually pretty good stuff , emblazoned with the practice ’ s name , like lip balm or a little keyring flashlight . On my latest trip , there were packets of microwaveable popcorn with stickers reading , “ Your referrals keep our business popping !” and the practice ’ s phone number .
By Debbie Moose
Probably full of fatty , salty stuff . I ’ d hate myself for eating it .
I wanted to grab a handful of them , but the assistant was watching , so I could only take one .
Popcorn is a magnet for me . Even awful movie theater popcorn , which most multiplexes don ’ t pop anymore ( they buy it in giant bags and throw it under heat lamps ). Even the stuff in cardboard boxes at basketball games , which I know will make me guzzle water for a week , but I need something to relieve stress when the game is tied .
The crunch of popcorn , and the aroma . It doesn ’ t matter if I ’ ve just eaten a five-course meal ; one whiff , and I want to grab a mouthful .
In weak moments , I have sunk to inferior popcorn . But the popcorn I really love is the kind that ’ s been prepared in a way that lifts it to its full potential , which respects it for the noble snack that it is . I have been accused
22 � SOUTH � WINTER ’ 25