Ingredients with Measurements:
- 8 cups popped popcorn
- 1 cup dried apple rings, chopped
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup corn syrup
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Special equipment needed:
- Large mixing bowl
- Large saucepan
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 250°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the popped popcorn and chopped dried apple rings.
3. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
4. Add the brown sugar, corn syrup, and salt to the saucepan and stir until combined.
5. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly, and let it boil for 5 minutes.
6. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the baking soda and vanilla extract.
7. Pour the caramel mixture over the popcorn and dried apples and stir until evenly coated.
8. Spread the popcorn mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes.
9. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the popcorn cool completely before serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Temperature:
Preheat oven to 250°F
Serving size:
This recipe serves 8 people.
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 350
Total fat: 16g
Saturated fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 40mg
Sodium: 270mg
Total carbohydrates: 53g
Dietary fiber: 3g
Sugars: 44g
Protein: 1g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Dried apple rings can be substituted with any other dried fruit, such as cranberries or raisins.
- Corn syrup can be substituted with honey or maple syrup.
Variations:
- Add 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the popcorn mixture before adding the caramel.
- Sprinkle sea salt over the popcorn before baking for a sweet and salty flavor.
- Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled popcorn for a chocolate-covered version.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to stir the popcorn mixture every 15 minutes while baking to ensure even coating.
- Use a silicone spatula to stir the popcorn mixture to prevent sticking.
- Let the popcorn cool completely before serving to ensure the caramel is set.
Storage instructions:
Store the dried apple and caramel popcorn in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Reheating instructions:
To reheat the popcorn, spread it out on a baking sheet and bake at 250°F for 5-10 minutes.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the dried apple and caramel popcorn in a large bowl or individual paper bags for a fun and festive presentation.
Garnishes:
Sprinkle extra chopped dried apples or cinnamon over the popcorn for added flavor and presentation.
Pairings:
Serve the dried apple and caramel popcorn with hot apple cider or a cold glass of milk.
Suggested side dishes:
This recipe is a snack and can be served on its own.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the caramel is too thick, add a tablespoon of water to the saucepan and stir until combined.
- If the popcorn is not evenly coated, use a silicone spatula to stir the popcorn mixture until evenly coated.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to use oven mitts when handling the hot baking sheet.
- Let the popcorn cool completely before serving to prevent burns.
Food history:
Popcorn has been a popular snack for centuries and was first cultivated in Mexico over 9,000 years ago. Caramel popcorn became popular in the United States in the late 1800s and has been a favorite snack ever since.
Flavor profiles:
This recipe has a sweet and crunchy flavor with hints of dried apple and caramel.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the dried apple and caramel popcorn as a snack during movie night or at a party.
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Taste: Sweet, Caramelized, Fruity, Crunchy