Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot with lid
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Candy thermometer
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 250°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large pot with a lid, heat the corn kernels over medium-high heat until they start to pop. Shake the pot occasionally to prevent burning.
3. Once the popping slows down, remove the pot from heat and transfer the popcorn to the prepared baking sheet.
4. In a separate pot, combine the sugar, water, butter, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture reaches 250°F on a candy thermometer.
5. Remove the pot from heat and stir in the baking soda. The mixture will foam up.
6. Pour the caramel over the popcorn and use a spatula to mix until the popcorn is evenly coated.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes.
8. Remove from the oven and let cool completely before breaking into pieces.
Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Temperature:
Preheat oven to 250°F
Serving size:
Makes about 8 cups
Nutritional information:
Calories: 300
Fat: 15g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 2g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Corn kernels can be substituted with pre-popped popcorn.
- Margarine can be substituted for butter.
- Brown sugar can be used instead of white sugar for a deeper flavor.
Variations:
- Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts, such as peanuts or almonds, to the caramel mixture before pouring over the popcorn.
- Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled caramel corn for a sweet and salty treat.
Tips and tricks:
- Use a large pot with a lid to prevent popcorn from spilling out while popping.
- Stir the caramel mixture constantly to prevent burning.
- Let the caramel corn cool completely before breaking into pieces to prevent sticking.
Storage instructions:
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat in the oven at 250°F for 5-10 minutes to restore crispiness.
Presentation ideas:
Serve in a large bowl or individual bags for a fun snack.
Garnishes:
Sprinkle with sea salt or cinnamon for added flavor.
Pairings:
Pair with a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee.
Suggested side dishes:
Serve with fresh fruit or veggies for a balanced snack.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the caramel mixture is too thick, add a tablespoon of water at a time until desired consistency is reached.
- If the popcorn is not coated evenly, mix the caramel mixture thoroughly before pouring over the popcorn.
Food safety advice:
- Use caution when working with hot sugar as it can cause severe burns.
- Let the caramel corn cool completely before serving to prevent burns from hot caramel.
Food history:
Caramel corn has been a popular snack in the United States since the late 1800s.
Flavor profiles:
Sweet and salty with a crunchy texture.
Serving suggestions:
Serve as a snack or dessert.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
Course Type: N/A
Dietary: N/A
Ingredient: N/A
Meal type: N/A
Occassion: N/A
Region: N/A
Taste: Sweet, Salty, Crunchy, Caramelized