Snacks > Sweet Snacks > Popcorn

Cotton Candy Popcorn Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1/2 cup popcorn kernels
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup light corn syrup
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp cotton candy flavoring
- Pink food coloring
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter

Special equipment needed:
- Large pot with lid
- Candy thermometer
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 250°F.

2. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.

3. Add the popcorn kernels and stir to coat them with the butter.

4. Cover the pot with a lid and wait for the popcorn to start popping.

5. Shake the pot occasionally to ensure that all the kernels pop.

6. Once the popping slows down, remove the pot from the heat and transfer the popcorn to a large bowl.

7. In a separate pot, combine the sugar, corn syrup, water, and salt.

8. Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar dissolves.

9. Insert a candy thermometer into the mixture and continue cooking until it reaches 250°F.

10. Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract, cotton candy flavoring, and pink food coloring.

11. Pour the mixture over the popcorn and stir to coat the popcorn evenly.

12. Spread the popcorn out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

13. Bake the popcorn for 15 minutes, then remove it from the oven and stir it.

14. Bake for another 15 minutes, then remove it from the oven and let it cool.


Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Temperature:
Preheat oven to 250°F
Serving size:
This recipe makes 8 servings.

Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 230
Fat: 9g
Carbohydrates: 37g
Protein: 1g
Sodium: 160mg
Sugar: 30g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use microwave popcorn instead of popping your own kernels.
- You can use any flavoring or food coloring you like.

Variations:
- You can add sprinkles or other candy decorations to the popcorn.
- You can use different flavorings, such as strawberry or blueberry.

Tips and tricks:
- Be careful when working with hot sugar syrup.
- Use a large pot to avoid burning the popcorn.
- Stir the popcorn frequently to ensure that it is coated evenly.

Storage instructions:
Store the popcorn in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
To reheat the popcorn, spread it out on a baking sheet and bake it at 250°F for 5-10 minutes.

Presentation ideas:
Serve the popcorn in a large bowl or individual bags.

Garnishes:
Add extra cotton candy flavoring or sprinkles on top of the popcorn.

Pairings:
Serve the popcorn with a cold glass of milk or a fruity drink.

Suggested side dishes:
This popcorn is a sweet snack and does not require any side dishes.

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the sugar syrup becomes too thick, add a little bit of water to thin it out.
- If the popcorn is not coated evenly, stir it more vigorously.

Food safety advice:
Be careful when working with hot sugar syrup. Use a candy thermometer to ensure that it reaches the correct temperature.

Food history:
Cotton candy was invented in the late 19th century and became popular at carnivals and fairs.

Flavor profiles:
This popcorn has a sweet, cotton candy flavor.

Serving suggestions:
Serve this popcorn as a snack or dessert.

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Taste: Sweet, Sugary, Candy, Fluffy, Crunchy, Candy-Like