Make movie-theater popcorn at home

photo by aspaonline

DEAR SARA: We used to have a hot-air popcorn maker back in the day, and its long since been history. Now I’m looking around for hot-air popcorn makers, and they’re kind of overpriced, around $50. I’m trying to make popcorn without the oils/butter, etc. Some of the reviews I’ve read have said the units are too hot to touch after you’ve popped the corn or it shoots scalding hot kernels out of the machine at you. Just wondered how you pop your popcorn, not the microwave bag kind, and if you could recommend a popcorn maker. — Libby, Canada

DEAR LIBBY: Popcorn poppers are very easy to find secondhand. Look in garage sales, thrift stores or online on Freecycle, Kijiji.com or eBay.com. If you’re looking to buy new, I’d continue to watch sales. Most air poppers are going to shoot a kernel or two. West Bend makes great air poppers. Their older model, Poppery II (found secondhand), can double as a coffee-bean roaster, too. You can read more about it at www.frugalvillage.com/2007/12/27/gourmet-coffee-on-the-cheap. But if you want a recommendation, I’d buy a Whirly Pop stovetop popper. It does use a little oil to prevent sticking, but is cheap to buy ($20 or so new). You’ll love the taste (like movie theater popcorn), every kernel pops, it’s long-lasting and the experience is just more fun.

DEAR SARA: What’s the best place to order new checks? I need new checks, and I know I can find them cheaper than through my bank. Any suggestions for specific companies? There’s about a million and a half of them online. I would like to find one that has a debit register too, the little register that fits with your debit card. Thanks. — Akolb, Louisiana

DEAR AKOLB: I’d call your bank and see if they offer any discounts or if there’s any way to get free checks. You can also buy them through Wal-Mart (www.walmartchecks.com) or Costco at a discount. You’re right: There are a ton of online sources. Places such as checksunlimited.com, 4checks.com and bestvaluechecks.com all offer discount checks. You can also print your own checks using software such as Checksoft Personal Deluxe, which you can find at stores such as Staples. I write very few checks and get them through my credit union. Be sure to verify your checks for accuracy.

DEAR SARA: I made a two-layer cake tonight and do not have a cake dome or any container big enough to fit it in. It’s frosted with store-bought frosting. How should I go about storing it? Foil? — Rhayne, New Jersey

DEAR RHAYNE: I’d place a large bowl or pan over the top or insert toothpicks into it and cover loosely with plastic wrap. You can check a local bakery or grocery store bakery and see if they’ll sell you a cake box or container. If your store-bought frosting isn’t extremely perishable (no dairy or uncooked eggs), then your cake can set out on the counter. Wrap like I mentioned above or at least use a loose-foiled tent. Now might be a good time to invest in a cake keeper, too.