Crunchy Caramel Popcorns - It is addictive

Its a special day today ..  - a day celebrated to honor kids all over the world, to make them feel special in this world of adults; a day when they get to be pampered by their teachers and parents. In India , we celebrate Childrens Day today; ie; November 14 as it marks the birthday of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru.

My kids, like any other kids, like to be surprised once a while; especially on such occassions; with some goodies , bakes or anything as such. Last year I tried caramel popcorn which was awesome and this year planning to bake some cake for them. It was now that I realized that I'ven't posted Caramel popcorn recipe yet. It's a simple recipe and I'm sure that many of us don't know it. Before I used to mix popcorn in caramelised sugar. But there was something missing in the recipe. Then I started googling for the original recipe for crunchier ones and yes..  This I think is the right way - to bake it after caramelising. 

Ingredients:

Popcorn 1 cup
Sugar (preferrably brown) 1/2 cup
Salt a pinch
Vanilla essence 1/2 tsp
Butter 1/4 cup
Corn Syrup 1 Tbsp
Pecans or any other nuts 1/4 cup (optional)
Baking Soda 1/4 tsp

Method:


1. Pop up the corn according to the package instructions. Mix in the nuts if you are using them.

2. Take a pan and melt the brown sugar, corn syrup and butter until hot and bubbly. Switch off the flame and mix in vanilla, baking soda, salt and cinnamon ( if you want to flavor it so).

3. Pour over the popcorn. Mix it well till they are evenly coated with caramel. If your kids don't like it much sweetier, mix it accordingly;don't go for even-coating.

If you want chewy ones, go for it

OR

If you want a Crunchy Snack.....

1. Preheat oven at 120C.

2. Pour Caramel corn over a lined baking sheet and arrange in a single layer as possible.

3. Bake in oven for 5 minutes. Take them out and stir. Bake them again for 5 minutes. Continue this process until the popcorns turn as crunchy as you need them; but make sure it should not be more than 20 minutes of baking in total.

Let it cool and break them into pieces if it is stuck together. It will harden as it cools and can be stored in airtight containers

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