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Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Caramel Popcorn

I made LOADS of this stuff last Christmas. I think it was something like 13 batches. I thought my microwave was going to fizzle out on me for sure. But it didn’t and neighbors and friends enjoyed caramel popcorn.

When I went on my rounds to drop off my bags of golden goodness, one stop included the Swift Family. I walked up the steps and heard what sounded like children being abused. Yelling, screaming, banging, dog barking. For sure something wasn’t right. I hesitantly knocked on the door and the beatings stopped. The door opened and a little blond 4 year old, who doesn’t favor “R’s”, said, “We are having a wumble!” Sure enough, up to the door staggers the poor dad who had obviously been the subject of the abuse. Sweaty, tired and covered in dog hair, he thanked me for my offerings, gave me a plate of their holiday sweets, and then got back to being the victim of his 4 year old and 7 year old.

And from what I heard later, the popcorn became fuel and the “wumble” kept on.



1 cup packed golden brown sugar
1/4 cup light corn syrup
1/2 tsp salt
4 Tbsp unsalted butter
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp baking soda
8 cups popped unflavored popcorn

In a large, glass, measuring cup, combine the sugar, syrup, salt, butter, and vanilla. Microwave on high for 1 minute. Stir and cook for 2 minutes. Add the baking soda and stir well (mixture will foam).

Pour the popcorn into a large brown paper bag (think Trader Joe's. I know a lot of people have those). Pour the syrup into the bag and stir to coat. Turn the bag under to close and microwave on high for 1 minute.

Transfer the caramel corn mixture to a baking sheet lined with waxed paper to cool.

Rookie’s Notes: For the popcorn, I use a microwave popcorn. One bag is just enough. And if you don’t have plain microwave popcorn, no biggie. I used buttered with this batch and it makes it that much more rich and buttery.

5 comments:

Janeen said...

Thank you for the recipe, besides donuts, caramel popcorn is another weakness of mine! I am adding this recipe to my cook book of treats right now!

Tricia said...

thank you for reminding me about that story! you told it very well and I laughed my head off and also had a little tear in my eye. I can totally vouch for this caramel corn.....it's delicious. and jason and I fought over who could have the crumbs in the bag. can't wait to make some of my own. p.s. I'm making shredded pork tacos tonite!!! and I now know what a tomatillo is. yay.

Sweet Pea Chef said...

Love this idea. BTW, check out my easy way to make microwave popcorn with just a brown bag and unpopped popcorn. :)

Wyndi said...

hello I am not sure how I found your blog but I hope that you won't mind if i stop by and memories your recipes!! all the food looks good! I thikn I came by way of baby wrne and then heart soul and then your food pictures!! yum!! makes me want to cook!

Sweet Pea Chef said...

I am going to do this for Christmas gifts this year...do you ever add things like peanuts, etc? When would you add it?