Tasty Tuesday: Caramel Corn

I have not posted a "Tasty Tuesday" in a few weeks. That does not mean that we haven't baked though. During the month of November we made banana bread, 2 different types of cookies, Boston cream pie,and caramel corn. We love homemade caramel corn. The boxed stuff does not even compare. Jacob would eat the entire batch if I let him! Needless to say, it's very addicting. My grandma asked me to make her some, so that is what we did. Of course, we had to eat some ourselves . . . .

Ingredients
7 quarts plain popped popcorn                           
2 cups dry roasted peanuts (optional)               
2 cups brown sugar                                         
1/2 cup light corn syrup 
1 cup butter
1 teaspoon salt 
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

1. Place the popped popcorn into two shallow greased baking pans. You may use roasting pans, jelly roll pans, or disposable roasting pans. Add the peanuts to the popped corn if using. Set aside.

2. Preheat the oven to 250 degrees F. Combine the brown sugar, corn syrup, butter, and salt in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring enough to blend. Once the mixture begins to boil, boil for 5 minutes while stirring constantly.

3. Remove from the heat, and stir in the baking soda and vanilla. The mixture will be light and foamy. Immediately pour over the popcorn in the pans, and stir to coat. Don't worry too much at this point about getting all of the corn coated.

4. Bake for 1 hour, removing the pans, and giving them each a good stir every 15 minutes. Line the counter top with waxed paper. Dump the corn out onto the waxed paper and separate the pieces. Allow to cool completely, then store in airtight containers or resealable bags.

We bought a popcorn popper bowl  thingy a couple years ago. You dump the unpopped kernels in, and the microwave does all the work. It's simple and the popcorn is better for you than the microwaveable bags. Although, we cover it with butter and seasoning, but that's another story. 

 

 

We had the joy of having Zachy help us. I use the word "help" very loosely. We usually bake while he's sleeping. Now I remember why.

Pulling his brother's hair.

A typical picture I get of the 3 of them.

Pulling off paper towels.

Ripping apart paper towels.

Climbing in the sink to retrieve the soap he threw in.

 Despite our "helper," we did manage to make our caramel.

I am slightly ashamed to admit that I never took the time to get a picture of the finished product. It got eaten too fast! And next time, I'll be sure to make it when a certain little boy takes a nap!


* * * UPDATE* * *

I finally remembered (before it was all gone!) to take a picture of the finished caramel corn.

Now, doesn't that make you want to cook up some yourself?