Those who know me well know that I am not a big fan of popcorn. I never order it at the movies, will gladly pop it for others at home, but do not partake myself, until recently. In October we visited the Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago and the boys were ready for a snack. There was a popcorn cart in sight, so I got in line.
I noticed a few people in front of me, speaking something in Spanish to the cart attendant who quickly responded by bringing out a squirt bottle with a red liquid. When it was my turn I asked what that was and the bilingual attendant informed me it was hot sauce. At the mere mention of the word, my mind and taste buds went to work. "That would be delicious!" I said to myself. Buttery popcorn with hot sauce. "I'll have four small bags please."
I added hot sauce to mine and brought the other three back to Lisa and the boys. With the first bite I was hooked. I still don't eat a bunch but when I pop corn at home now, I have a small bowl myself and load it with hot sauce. The trick is to eat it quickly before it gets too soggy.
Who would have thought that a chance encounter with some hot-sauce loving Spanish speakers would have changed my life for ever, at least my snacking life. Sure beats being eaten by an escaped tiger - a zoo-related snacking encounter of a different sort.
You don't like popcorn!
I often make that my dinner.
Posted by: Nora | 02/01/2008 at 11:57 PM