Popcorn is simple. And yet, as Kevin Sylvester explores in The Walrus, it’s also surprisingly profound—especially around the holidays. It’s the kind of food that can feel indulgent without being overly fussy, offering a ritual as satisfying as the snack itself. Sylvester’s guide to making the perfect stovetop popcorn isn’t just about flavor; it’s about reclaiming an experience we’ve surrendered to the convenience of the microwave. The process—heating oil, listening for the first pops, shaking the pot like a kid opening a wrapped gift—feels right for this time of year, when the pace of life slows down. In an era of constant complexity, popcorn reminds us that small pleasures still
carry weight. Read Sylvester’s full piece at The Walrus and make the most of your kernels this season.
Today’s newsletter brings you stories about food as a ritual, a performance, and a quiet act of connection.
