Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1/2 cup popcorn kernels
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup light corn syrup
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 cup Gobstopper candies, crushed
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot with lid
- Candy thermometer
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 250°F.
2. In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat.
3. Add popcorn kernels to the pot and cover with lid. Shake the pot occasionally until all kernels have popped.
4. Remove from heat and transfer popcorn to a large bowl.
5. In a small saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until sugar has dissolved.
6. Attach candy thermometer to the saucepan and continue cooking until the temperature reaches 250°F.
7. Remove from heat and quickly stir in baking soda. The mixture will foam up.
8. Pour the mixture over the popcorn and stir until all the popcorn is coated.
9. Spread the popcorn onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
11. Remove from oven and sprinkle the crushed Gobstopper candies over the popcorn.
12. Let cool completely before serving.
- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 30 minutes
Temperature:
- Preheat oven to 250°F.
Serving size:
- 6 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories per serving: 290
- Total fat: 12g
- Total carbohydrates: 44g
- Protein: 2g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Salted butter can be used instead of unsalted butter.
- Honey or maple syrup can be used instead of corn syrup.
- Any hard candy can be used instead of Gobstopper candies.
Variations:
- Add 1/2 cup of peanuts or other nuts to the popcorn before adding the candy coating.
- Use different flavors of hard candy for a different taste.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to stir the popcorn well after adding the candy coating to ensure that all the popcorn is coated.
- Crush the Gobstopper candies in a plastic bag with a rolling pin or use a food processor.
Storage instructions:
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- To reheat, place in a preheated 250°F oven for 5-10 minutes.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve in a large bowl or individual cups.
Garnishes:
- Crushed Gobstopper candies can be sprinkled on top for added color.
Pairings:
- Serve with lemonade or iced tea.
Suggested side dishes:
- Fresh fruit salad or vegetable sticks.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the candy coating is too hard, reduce the cooking time or temperature.
Food safety advice:
- Use a candy thermometer to ensure that the candy coating reaches the correct temperature.
Food history:
- Popcorn has been a popular snack for centuries, with evidence of popcorn being found in ancient Peruvian tombs.
Flavor profiles:
- Sweet and crunchy with a fruity candy flavor.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve as a snack or dessert.
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