50 Degrees,

Two little lines on the temperature control for my oven. That's all it takes to go from perfection to charred, and I've done it again.

The first time I tried to make Heather's caramel popcorn, it was divine. I vowed to take some to Shelly the next day as we made it in the middle of the night and I didn't think Brian would appreciate me surprising him late at night again. (Sorry) But by morning, it was gone. I ate the whole batch.

The second time I made it, it was just after bedtime so I thought it would be ready before too late and I could take you some, Shelly. I ate it all again. After I saved some for the boys' lunch the next day. Gotta take care of family first, no matter how much you love your neighbor.

I made it again today. Started at 2 so it would be done when the boys came home from school, super-perfect-mom that I am. Waved at Hallie pushing her bike down the sidewalk as I stirred the concoction and thought about how I would be over her house in half an hour with a baggie of goodness.

And then the smoke started filling the kitchen...

I lowered the top rack, stirred it up, and put it back in for round two. More smoke fills the kitchen. Apparently 375 looks a lot like 325 on my decrepit old stove that came with the house, but the caramel popcorn doesn't like it a bit.

Sorry, Shelly, I won't be over today yet again. maybe next time. Unless you like burnt popcorn with MSG nuts. (did you know they put MSG in my nuts???)