Caramel Popcorn Recipe

Caramel Popcorn Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Popcorn:
  • 1/2 cup popcorn kernels
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• For the Caramel Sauce:
  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 2 cups brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 cup light corn syrup
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Pop the Popcorn:
   • In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add a few popcorn kernels and cover the pot. Once they pop, add the rest of the popcorn kernels and cover the pot again.
   • Shake the pot occasionally to prevent burning. Once the popping slows down to about 2 seconds between pops, remove the pot from the heat and transfer the popcorn to a large mixing bowl. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Caramel Sauce:
   • In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar, corn syrup, and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly.
   • Once it starts boiling, let it boil without stirring for 4-5 minutes. Remove the saucepan from the heat and carefully stir in the baking soda and vanilla extract. The mixture will bubble up, so be cautious.
3. Combine Popcorn and Caramel:
   • Immediately pour the caramel sauce over the popcorn in the mixing bowl. Use a spatula to gently toss the popcorn, ensuring it is evenly coated with the caramel sauce.
4. Bake the Caramel Popcorn:
   • Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Spread the caramel-coated popcorn onto a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
   • Bake for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even coating and to prevent burning.
5. Cool and Serve:
   • Remove the popcorn from the oven and let it cool completely on the baking sheet. Once cooled, break it into pieces and store in an airtight container.

Enjoy your homemade caramel popcorn! If you have any specific requests or adjustments to this recipe, feel free to let me know.