If your a popcorn fan like me you might already be privy to this device.  If not, and your still popping popcorn in the microwave, have I got news for you.   The Whirley-Pop is a very simple device that has probably 

been out for hundreds of years, in many different forms.  Wabash Valley Farms was smart enough to capitalize on it’s design and make one for the home user, or camper.  The design is very simple

, a large 6qt pot with a lid, in the center of the pot a rod comes down that is turned by cranking the spinner on the end of the handle.    (hint:  just look at the picture)

So we have talked about design, let’s talk about taste.  Microwave popcorn taste great, but it’s not like theater   popcorn is it?  Microwave popcorn is also filled with preservatives that can’t be good for you.  Have you ever wanted to make 100 cal popcorn that actually had taste and crunch?  No joke, the Whirley-Pop can do this.  It puts theater popcorn to shame.   

I personally use these with my Whirley-Pop: 

• “Red Raven”  red popcorn. (Red popcorn that pops snow white red) 
• Orville Redenbacher’s “popping and topping” Oil

Oh, no need to clean it out if you use it at least once a week, it’s becomes like a good seasoned iron skillet. 

I bought mine for just under $30 USD at Bass Pro Shop. 

I highly recommend this cool gadget!!!!

We adopted an (then) 16 year old who has now moved out. (she’s 18 now, going on 25)  As she moved out we gave her our older Espresso machine, it was a Target Hamilton Beach one.  It was a good machine, had a 15 bar pump (a heck of a lot better than those steamers). 

We decided not to mess around this time, and did some research.   We then narrowed it down to two machines with in our price range. (was willing to go up to $300)   The machines we came down to where the Via Venezia from Starbucks and the Nespresso machine. Both had good points and bad ones. Let me explain.

Nespresso:

The Nespresso D290. Priced around $300 USD.

Espresso used:  Nespresso Pods

I was first introduced to the Nespresso line of products by my boss, who is an avid espresso drinker as well, when it comes to Espresso, he knows his stuff!   At the office we have a D290 machine and it pulls some awesome shots.   Here is what I really liked and disliked about this machine. 

         Likes:

• it’s clean, the pods are disposed of in the machine leaving no mess
• pulls a wonderful and consistent shot each time (great crema)
• has great attachments
• very little maintenance 
• is the future of espresso machines

The Via Venezia by Saeco (made for Starbucks).   Priced around $200 USD.

Likes: 

• Solid machine, made with high end parts
• pulls a wonderful shot with the pods, perfect and consistent each time, great color, great crema
• cheaper than we expected to pay, $200 from starbucks
• can take pods or ground espresso 
• is a standard style espresso machine

I’m taking the train into Boston from Beverly.