Discovered in the Americas thousands of years ago, popcorn had a long journey before the microwave made its debut in kitchens around the world. Indigenous people first domesticated corn and then discovered the poppable Zea mays everta varieties. They used popped kernels for food, religious ceremonies and headdress decorations. Early colonists learned about this popping snack from Native Americans. By the 1840s popcorn was commercially sold under names like Pearls. It was a popular breakfast food eaten just as we eat cereal today. Popcorn became increasingly fascinating to the young generation, especially during holidays. Thus, in the late 19th and 20th centuries popcorn balls were among the most popular confections. Victorian families often decorated fireplaces, mantels, doorways and Christmas trees with ornaments made with popcorn. By the turn of the 20th century cookbooks featured at least one recipe. The steam-powered popcorn machine, which had been invented in 1893, allowed vendors...