Yummy Popcorn Snack for Summer
Right off, let me tell you that no, I don’t think this is a healthy snack, no matter how you slice it (or pop it, as the case may be). But it certainly looks yummy and I can imagine my girls eating loads of it. It’s called Vanilla Caramel Corn Crunch.
I heard about it when I first heard about Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Bean Paste. They don’t sell it here in Paris (maybe I can figure out a translation and look, but that’s doubtful) so I don’t know if it’s yummy or not. I think I’ll try a little vanilla extract instead.
Vanilla Caramel Corn Crunch
12 ounces air-popped popcorn or 4 (3-ounce) bags of natural microwave popcorn
1 cup (2 sticks) butter
2 cups firmly packed dark brown sugar
½ cup corn syrup
2 teaspoons Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Bean Paste (or vanilla extract)
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon cream of tartar
Preheat the oven to 250 degrees. Pop the popcorn, discarding any un-popped kernels. Arrange the popcorn evenly in a large roasting pan. Place in the oven.
Combine the butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, vanilla paste and salt in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil slowly. Boil for 5 minutes over medium heat, stirring constantly; do not burn. Stir in the baking soda and cream of tartar, which will cause the sugar mixture to rise. Pour over the warm popcorn, stirring until coated. Bake for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes.
Variation: For added flavor, coarsely chop 1 cup of your favorite nuts and add to the popcorn before pouring the caramel mixture over the popcorn.
I, personally, like the addition of peanuts or some kind of nuts for a little protein along with such a yummy snickety snack.
photo credit: Jason Cartwright
