Sweet, Salty, Oh-So-Good Caramel Corn

With a sink full of dishes, countertops with sticky syrup dripped across them, and aching feet from moving across the kitchen for most of the afternoon, I had finally accomplished my goal for the day: three appetizers, three dozen cookies, and nine jars decorated and filled with caramel corn.

Whew.

After debating and researching what homemade gift I would attempt to make for some friends, I settled on sweet, delicious, crunchy, and oh so bad for you caramel corn. A little DIY project for myself on a mid-week afternoon.

I would highly recommend diving in and making some of this to give away (or just for yourself, I must admit, I ate a handful or two..). It is simple to do, inexpensive, and a great little Christmas treat!

Here’s how it is done...

Pull out some oil and popcorn (I’m sure you could do it with microwave popped but going straight from the kernel is cheaper and gets you the amount you need a lot faster!). Now, get poppin! If you are making it to share/give away you will want to fill a large roasting pan full of popcorn (about 2-3 pans popped).

Set the popcorn aside and pull out the butter. Lots of butter! Add in the corn syrup and brown sugar. Bring to a boil while stirring until you get a creamy thickened sauce.

On a side note, you should probably avoid walking away from the delicious boiling mixture. Even if your husband calls you into the bathroom to talk about the broken shower handle. Even if it seems important at the time... because when you walk back into the kitchen you will have this sticky goo boiling out of the pot and onto everything in its path...

I may or may not know this from experience.

Anyway! Pull the mixture from the heat and toss in some vanilla, salt, and baking soda. Pour over the popcorn, pop it in the oven at 250 uncovered for an hour, stirring occasionally.

And presto! Delicious caramel corn!

While the popcorn was caramelizing in the oven, I pulled out my jars and baby glue gun, getting to work with some ribbon and string. I added some Christmas-y tags and wrapped string around the ribbon. An easy way to make a plain mason jar a bit more elegant.

 

 

Once the popcorn comes out, simply spoon it into the jars and you are done. An easy project that takes less than 2 hours and is a nice little addition when handing out Christmas cards.  

Enjoy!