RECIPE The Best Caramel Popcorn
(No refined sugar, no corn syrup, only the best ingredients)
Ingredients
1/2 c unpopped organic popcorn-popped in the air popper (it makes about 8-10 cups popped)
1/2 c almonds (optional)
1/2 shredded coconut (optional)
1 c organic maple syrup
5 Tbsp salted butter
1/4 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp baking soda
10 honey marshmallows (optional)
Preparation
Start by preheating your oven to 220 degrees. Then start popping your organic popcorn, I used an air popper but feel free to use whatever way you'd like to pop the popcorn. Take out all the extra kernels that don’t pop. You wouldn’t want to bite into a hard kernel as you're eating this so make sure to remove them. It makes about 8-10 cups of popped popcorn. Also use a large bowl so you’ll be able to mix the caramel together well
Place the almonds and coconut on top of the popped popcorn, you do not need to mix together. Just simply place them on top.
In a small saucepan over medium/high heat add your organic maple syrup, butter, and salt. Cook until the butter is melted, give it a little stir, then turn down the heat to a medium/low heat and let it simmer for 12-15 mins. Do not stir, just let it cook.
You won’t need a candy thermometer, you’ll just want the consistency of the caramel to stick to the back of the spoon as it runs off. This is how you’ll know it’s ready.
When the caramel is ready take it off the heat and add marshmallows. Stir to combine. (The marshmallows are optional, you can make this without them too. I used a homemade honey marshmallow)
Then add your vanilla and baking soda. The baking soda thickens it more and gives it that caramel consistency. Stir to combine
Pour the caramel mixture onto your popcorn and stir to combine. It doesn’t need to be perfectly mixed just makes sure it’s all incorporated together.
Now take your caramel popcorn and place on a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Cook in the oven at 220 degrees for 30 mins. After 15 mins take out and stir mixture. Then place the pan back in the oven and cook for another 15 mins.
When it’s done remove from the oven and let it cool completely. As it cools the caramel will harden and become a delicious caramel popcorn!
Place in whatever container or bag you’d like or give it as a gift!
Tips
*Use organic ingredients when feasible
*You could also form them into popcorn balls after you've removed them from the oven and have let them cool for a few minutes.
June 20, 2020
