Happy Burns

I know there are some people that have pleasant associations with burns. This is not that kind of true confession. This is about food.

There are some foods that are delicious and, when prepared properly, not only become molten-hot but can maintain their moltenicity longer than other foods. You probably have your own list*, but here's my top 3 molten foods for which I will happily singe the roof of my mouth:

1) Creamed corn










There is something about the viscosity of creamed corn that allows it, once hot, to stay hot. Searingly, singeingly, molten, hot. Like corn lava. I can't get enough of the stuff.

2) Pizza (New York style, preferably)














I will certainly eat cold pizza but it is a very different experience from fresh, hot pizza. How many happy moments have I spent burning the heck out of my mouth on stretchy mozzarella when it tops a slice from a pie that's right out of the pizza oven? [Insert sound of Homer Simpson drool here]

3) Pepperidge Farm Apple Turnovers:























The quintessential happy burn! I grew up with these in the freezer. Dad and I loved them. If you bake them long enough for the flaky puff pastry to rise properly, the apple and raisin goo-filling becomes the hottest thing on god's green earth. If you wait for the apple-raisin magma to cool, the puff pastry becomes stiff and unappealing. You pretty much have to: nibble-sear, nibble-sear, nibble-sear. Totally worthy of a Snuffles, the cartoon dog, happy dance!










* Because that's how you spend your time. **

** If that really is how you spend your time, feel free to share your list!