Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1/2 cup popcorn kernels
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup marzipan, grated
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- Pink food coloring
- Miniature chocolate chips
- Pink sprinkles
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot with lid
- Candy thermometer
- Parchment paper
- Large mixing bowl
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large pot with a lid, heat the butter over medium heat until melted. Add the popcorn kernels and stir to coat. Cover the pot with the lid and shake it occasionally until the popping stops. Remove from heat and transfer the popcorn to a large mixing bowl.
3. In a separate pot, combine the sugar, grated marzipan, salt, and 1/4 cup of water. Heat over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar has dissolved. Bring the mixture to a boil and insert a candy thermometer. Cook until the temperature reaches 300°F (150°C).
4. Remove the pot from heat and stir in the baking soda, vanilla extract, and a few drops of pink food coloring. Be careful as the mixture will bubble up.
5. Pour the hot mixture over the popcorn and stir to coat evenly. Spread the popcorn onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes.
6. Remove the popcorn from the oven and sprinkle with miniature chocolate chips and pink sprinkles. Allow the popcorn to cool completely.
7. Once the popcorn has cooled, break it into pieces and shape them into small piggy heads. Use the miniature chocolate chips to create the eyes and nose.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Temperature:
Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C)
Serving size:
Makes 6-8 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 280
Fat: 14g
Carbohydrates: 36g
Protein: 3g
Sodium: 170mg
Sugar: 28g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Salted butter can be used instead of unsalted butter, but omit the salt in the recipe.
- Almond extract can be used instead of vanilla extract.
- Any color of food coloring can be used.
Variations:
- Use different shapes for the popcorn, such as hearts or stars.
- Use different colors of food coloring to create a variety of piggy popcorn.
- Add chopped nuts or dried fruit to the popcorn before baking.
Tips and tricks:
- Be careful when handling the hot sugar mixture as it can cause burns.
- Use a silicone spatula to stir the popcorn and sugar mixture as it will not stick.
- Store the popcorn in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
Storage instructions:
Store the popcorn in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat the popcorn in the oven at 250°F (120°C) for 5-10 minutes.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the popcorn in a large bowl or in individual cups.
Garnishes:
Garnish with additional pink sprinkles or miniature chocolate chips.
Pairings:
Serve with a glass of milk or hot cocoa.
Suggested side dishes:
Serve with fresh fruit or a side salad.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the sugar mixture does not reach 300°F (150°C), the popcorn will be sticky and not crispy.
- If the popcorn is not coated evenly, stir it more gently to avoid breaking the popcorn.
Food safety advice:
- Use caution when handling hot sugar mixtures as they can cause burns.
- Store the popcorn in an airtight container to prevent moisture from making it soggy.
Food history:
Marzipan is a sweet almond paste that originated in the Middle East and was brought to Europe by the Moors. It is commonly used in confectionery and baking.
Flavor profiles:
Sweet, nutty, and slightly salty.
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