Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1/2 cup popcorn kernels
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup finely chopped roasted cashews
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot with lid
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon
- Food processor or blender
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large pot with a lid, heat the popcorn kernels over medium-high heat until they start to pop. Shake the pot occasionally to prevent burning. When the popping slows down, remove the pot from the heat and transfer the popcorn to a large mixing bowl.
3. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the peanut butter, sweetened condensed milk, and salt. Stir until smooth and well combined.
4. Pour the peanut butter mixture over the popcorn and stir until the popcorn is evenly coated.
5. Add the chopped cashews to the popcorn mixture and stir again.
6. Spread the popcorn mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the popcorn is slightly golden and crispy.
7. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the popcorn cool completely.
8. Once the popcorn has cooled, transfer it to a food processor or blender and pulse until the popcorn is finely chopped.
9. Place the chopped popcorn in a mixing bowl and add the finely chopped roasted cashews. Mix well.
10. Using your hands, shape the popcorn mixture into small balls, about the size of a golf ball.
11. Roll the popcorn balls in the finely chopped roasted cashews until they are completely covered.
12. Place the Cajuzinho-Covered Popcorn balls on a serving platter and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Temperature:
Oven temperature: 300°F (150°C)
Serving size:
This recipe makes about 20 popcorn balls.
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 180
Total fat: 12g
Saturated fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 10mg
Sodium: 100mg
Total carbohydrates: 15g
Dietary fiber: 1g
Sugars: 9g
Protein: 5g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use almond butter or sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter.
- You can use honey or maple syrup instead of sweetened condensed milk.
- You can use any type of nuts instead of cashews.
Variations:
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or cocoa powder to the popcorn mixture for a different flavor.
- Use different types of nuts or seeds to coat the popcorn balls.
- Add mini chocolate chips or chopped dried fruit to the popcorn mixture for extra texture.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to use unsalted butter and unsalted nuts to control the saltiness of the recipe.
- You can use microwave popcorn instead of popping your own kernels.
- Store the popcorn balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Storage instructions:
Store the popcorn balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Reheating instructions:
These popcorn balls are best served cold, but you can let them come to room temperature before serving if you prefer.
Presentation ideas:
Arrange the popcorn balls on a platter and sprinkle some chopped cashews on top for a decorative touch.
Garnishes:
Chopped cashews or peanuts, cocoa powder, or cinnamon.
Pairings:
Serve these popcorn balls as a sweet snack or dessert. They pair well with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.
Suggested side dishes:
Fresh fruit, cheese and crackers, or vegetable sticks.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the popcorn balls are too sticky, add more chopped cashews to the mixture.
- If the popcorn balls are too dry, add a little more peanut butter or sweetened condensed milk to the mixture.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to wash your hands before handling the popcorn mixture and use clean utensils and equipment.
Food history:
Cajuzinho is a traditional Brazilian sweet made with peanuts and sweetened condensed milk. This recipe is a twist on the classic Cajuzinho, using popcorn instead of peanuts.
Flavor profiles:
This recipe has a sweet and nutty flavor, with a crunchy texture from the popcorn and cashews.
Serving suggestions:
Serve these popcorn balls as a sweet snack or dessert. They are perfect for parties, movie nights, or as a homemade gift.
Related Categories
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Region: Brazilian
Taste: Sweet, Nutty, Caramelized, Crunchy