Making Perfect Popcorn - Softcover

While John Beigel has devoted his professional life to physics and high technology electronics, he spent his free time perfecting popcorn. As a physicist, he has earned two advanced degrees in physics from the University of Massachusetts and held two CEO positions in high-tech companies. He has also published two books and numerous articles in national and international magazines. In recent years, John turned his attention to documenting his skill, knowledge, and experimentation in making what he lovingly dubs perfect popcorn. John's love affair with popcorn began when he was four years old and greatly intensified during college, nearly 40 years ago. Since then, popcorn has not only been his favorite snack but one of his favorite meals - Friday night dinner. In four decades of popcorn making, John has tried various types of popcorn kernels, oils, cook tops, and cookware, and has markedly improved his process and results. He has employed an array of popping approaches and tried various flavorings, seasonings, and herbs all in his quest for perfection. An organic gardener and avid fisherman, John brings a conscious commitment to having fresh, healthy ingredients in his popcorn making.

Move over, Orville. A new popcorn genius has arrived. John Beigel's 'Making Perfect Popcorn' pops with insights, anecdotes, advice, and recipes, all delivered with the infectious enthusiasm and learned eclat of a kernel-lover who has spent a lifetime searching for and finding the ultimate in popcorn perfection. Grab a fistful and enjoy! --Peter Duffy, author of The Bielski Brothers and The Killing of Major Denis Mahon: A Mystery of Old Ireland, both published by Harper Collins. Also, a contributor to the New York Times.

Making Perfect Popcorn is a fun and informative book. Beyond providing a roadmap for those on the quest for perfection, John Beigel reminds us of the joy of spending time with family and friends, the importance of establishing enduring intergenerational connections, and the fact that science is fun and relevant to our everyday lives. --Dr. John W. Collins, Librarian and Faculty Member at the Harvard Graduate School of Education

How-to books have been written about almost everything. Now, the definitive book on how to cook perfect popcorn has been written by a none other than a physicist. I have always thought of popcorn as something simple. John Beigel has shown us in Making Perfect Popcorn that in cooking popcorn lots can go wrong. Mixing lessons on growing corn with a discourse on the metallurgical properties of pots and pans with a study of the heating characteristics cooktops and burners, John leads us on a journey through the minefields encountered in the pursuit of perfect popcorn. Mr. Beigel has told the story with a smile. Amusing anecdotal references, sprinkled throughout the book, on how popcorn has played a part of John s experiences with family and friends make the book a fun and light-hearted read. The secret of perfect popcorn, the perfect comfort food, has been uncovered by John Beigel. You ll enjoy the book most with a bowl of popcorn at your side. --James Whalen, Partner (retired), Edwards, Angell, Palmer & Dodge LLP, Boston, MA