377970 Tue Mar 06 08:04:19 -0800 2007 4 27 General Chowhounding Topics 0 2357319 After watching am episode of Good Eats, where Alton Brown talked about varieties of popcorn I'd never heard of, I figured it was time to expand my popcorn horizons. I ordered a sampler pack from http://www.crownjewelgourmet.com , which included 1 lbs each of: Fiery Garnet, Southwest Gold, Pink Diamond, Baby Blue Sapphire, Baby Yellow Topaz, and Striped Coral, for $21.95. I didn't have popcorn salt, but as Alton suggested, I ground up some kosher salt in my food processor, which made it a bit finer (although I am on the hunt for pickling salt, which I read here works just as well.) Feeling a bit silly for spending all this money for yuppie popcorn, I've been eating a lot of popcorn lately. And I am convinced that there is a place in my pantry for gourmet popcorn. I've been popping it all the way Alton did- large metal bowl on the stovetop, about 3 tbsp oil to 1/2 cup of popcorn, covered with foil with holes poked in it, shake it all with tongs over medium heat until it's popped. My favorite variety is the Southwest Gold. This is a blend of two different types, and the promo copy on the website describes it pretty well: "These small kernels of red and yellow popcorn grow naturally on the same ear of corn. The tiny red kernels produce of sweet, crunchy flavor while the more predominate tiny yellow kernels produce a bold corn flavor with the same tenderness. " Even my most frugal friend, who pinches a penny until it begs for mercy, is convinced that this popcorn is worth the extra money. My other favorite is Fiery Garnet, which has a very true, tasty corn flavor. The "baby" verieties are interesting- much smaller kernels, which the kids in my life seem to like more. I was surprised to find that there really is this much variety in different kinds of popcorn, and now I'm thinking I might try one of the larger variety packs. In general, I find that all of these popcorns have a much more interesting corn flavor. The supermarket variety seems bland and styrofoamish by comparison. Tue Mar 06 08:04:19 -0800 2007 10027 Chris VR 1 2660829 I just received the large variety pack today thanks, in part, to your post here. POPCORN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'll let you know my favorite once I've popped a few times 14 lbs of popcorn sitting in front of my door when I got home today. LOL! Thu Jun 14 14:03:46 -0700 2007 2357319 105150 Enorah 2 2689058 Yeah this reminds me I have to order some more. Post back with your favorites! Sun Jun 24 10:29:54 -0700 2007 2660829 10027 Chris VR 3 2689289 Well, it's the Pink Diamond so far as my favorite, although I still have many varieties to try. I liked the purple amethyst a lot as well I like them all so far. Worth the dough hmmmmmm pink and purple, so girlie of me Sun Jun 24 12:43:02 -0700 2007 2689058 105150 Enorah 4 2689973 I ordered some of this popping corn soon after Chris first posted about it. I like the Southwest Gold a lot too, but they're all good, and so much better than what I was used to. I have movie night for my grandchildren, and they love choosing the popcorn for the evening. Sun Jun 24 18:10:33 -0700 2007 2689289 10087 Pat Hammond