August 16, 2020
I bought a new microwave popcorn maker!
I’m so excited. Bye bye Orville microwave bags of popcorn. We are cooking the healthier no oil version from now on, and it is cheaper! We popped a batch last night, and it was DELICIOUS!Batch #2
So today my daughter (12) wanted to make some for her and her friend. Ironically I said it was too dangerous for her to do it because you have to have the exact amount of popcorn and the little paper thingy in the bottom has to be snapped in just right. Really, it isn’t that complicated, but I figured it would end in disaster.So I fixed it myself. I decided to add the oil this time to try the non-lowfat version for comparison’s sake and tossed it in the microwave.
Now according to the instruction manual, and they are very adamant about it since it is written in bold: Do not overcook as popcorn will scorch. Never leave microwave oven unattended during popping. Pshhh…that is for kitchen novices and teens. I’ve been cooking for…well A LOT of years, and I already did it once. I can just listen for the popping to stop.
My memory lasts about 2 minutes
I set it for 5 minutes since I couldn’t remember how long it took last night. I was thinking 3.5 minutes but was unsure.Bored at 30 seconds off the clock, I decided to make a salad for dinner and just listen for the popping to stop. I’m a multi-tasker so no problem. Somewhere between making the salad, the little one wanting the Wii plugged in, and the 2 teen girls trying to make something in the toaster oven, I forgot about it. I’m easily distracted.
At 4.5 minutes I realized the microwave was going and wondered what was in there. Yes, I already forgot. Then I remembered…then I realized there was no popping sound…then I smelled it.
Emergency
Steam was roaring out of the top of the bowl. It was actually smoke from a small fire, but I didn’t know that yet. I quickly took it out to the garage trashcan…because frankly the smell of burnt popcorn isn’t the most delightful aroma. You aren’t going to find that as a Glade scent, and speaking of that…I sure could use an air freshener at the moment.Stuck to the bottom of the bowl was a large smoking, charred, black blob. Afraid my trashcan was going to catch on fire, I poured some water on it. It fizzed and steamed as I dumped it in. It took 2 more to make sure it was out.
I’m reminded of my youth when I was left in charge of cooking for my dad and me while my mom and sister were gone to girl scout camp. I set fire to something similar to a Hot Pocket in the microwave. There were flames that time. My dad stood there in amazement that it was even possible. Yes it is. The paper towel was on fire, too. I also recall going out to eat the rest of the weekend.
Unnecessary panic
About this time 2 teens come darting out of the room past me because they thought their food was on fire. I informed them of the popcorn, and they were relieved. I know she wanted to sarcastically say…”hmm…too dangerous for me?”, but she refrained.I immediately wrote “fire extinguisher” on the grocery list. I think the one I have is ancient since the label is so faded I can’t read it. I blew it. It was the perfect opportunity for us to practice a fire drill because the kids might actually believe me. Then I could play off the whole incident like I was doing it as a safety test on purpose.
I’m thinking I should donate the $15 popcorn maker as I won’t be be saving any money if I burn down the house.