Automatic and Traditional Concessions Both Have Their Place

Sometimes it appears as if every traditional function within our society is becoming mechanized and automated. Yes, this phenomenon has made our lives easier. But it also causes us to question how eliminating the "personal touch" and diminishing the importance of traditional face-to-face customer relations will affect our culture down the road.

There are, of course, plusses and minuses to the increased technology in our lives. For instance, we can now go through the line at the grocery store without the help of a clerk or cashier. We can deposit or withdraw money from the bank without the need to talk to a live teller. We can instantly get answers to our questions about anything from incoming weather to background information on a historical figure.

Concessions: Man vs. Machine

Even a segment of our culture that seems so "mom and pop," the concession trailer business, hasn't been spared. Food carts are a part of just about every event imaginable. Carnivals, festivals, sporting events and concerts all have vending areas where pleasant workers dish out fresh food and snacks to customers. Concession workers will reach into popcorn makers to scoop up a few bags for the kids then they'll pluck a few dogs out of the hot dog cooker for mom and dad. It's all part of the overall event experience.

Though the personal touch still exists in most areas of the country, automatic self-serve concession trailers and carts are becoming increasingly popular. They come complete with bottled drinks instead of iced soft drinks and microwaves to heat up refrigerated sandwiches. No aromatic cooking smells or charming concession workers. Just a few buttons to press on a series of machines and you're on your way.

It's all a matter of preference as to whether a customer opts for the traditional or the technical. A personal touch and food freshness over quickness and convenience, the choice is yours.

Making Caramel Popcorn Easier than You Think

Caramel popcorn or “caramel corn” used to be directly associated with Halloween. But it has gradually become a popular snack food for just about any occasion, and is sold in concession carts, food stands and stores year-round.


Trick or treaters used to find at least several popcorn balls in their bags after a night of begging. Popcorn balls were a “clustered” form of caramel corn, shaped into a ball slightly larger in size than a baseball. Although they can still be found here and there, the popularity of the popcorn ball has slowly faded.


However, people still longed for the sumptuous taste that the combination of caramel and popcorn had to offer. Therefore, caramel corn is more popular than ever. In fact, many have taken it upon themselves to learn the recipe and make their own caramel corn. It’s not complicated, and it’s fun to get the kids involved in the process.


OK, prospective caramel popcorn makers, if you’re wondering how exactly you make this delectable snack, you’ve come to the right place:


How to make Caramel Popcorn?


Ingredients:
5 quarts popped popcorn
1 cup butter
2 cups brown sugar
1/2 cup corn syrup
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon vanilla extract



Preheat your oven to 250 degrees. Place popcorn in a large bowl. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add corn syrup, salt and brown sugar and stir as you bring it to a boil. Then boil without stirring for about four minutes then remove from heat. Stir in baking soda and vanilla, then pour a thin stream over the popcorn. Stir until popcorn is completely coated.


Then place the coated popcorn on a large shallow baking dish and place it in the preheated oven for one hour, stirring every 15 minutes. Remove the dish and let it cool. Then enjoy!