{recipe} Salty-Sweet Caramel Popcorn

I had a major popcorn craving the other day. I was in a big supermarket and couldn’t find regular popcorn- only microwave. In a HUGE store. That is a travesty because microwave popcorn has nothing on fresh-popped kernels from the stovetop. At any rate after hitting up a fancier store I bought some organic popcorn and set to work on handling that craving, and decided just to target all possible cravings in one go. Popcorn, check. Salt, check. Sugar, check.

I love things that are salty and sweet and I love popcorn and I love the way my Dad used to make caramel corn when I was a kid. All of those loves combined into this quick and easy combination. I have never liked caramel corn that was too sticky or crunchy so this method creates a palatable texture, takes less time, and uses 1 pot for everything.

Salty-Sweet Caramel Popcorn
Serves 2-4 for snacking.

Ingredients:

• 1-2 Tblsp oil
• 1/2 cup popcorn kernels
• 1/4 cup butter
• 2/3 cup light brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp salt

Method:

• Put oil and popcorn into a big pot and put a lid on. (If you have a pot with a clear glass lid, well that makes it a lot more fun.)
• Turn heat on medium high. Keep your hand on the lid. When you start hearing popping, hold the lid down and shake the pot on the stove.
• When popping is mostly done and gets slower, turn off the heat. Wait a minute or two before removing lid as corn will keep popping.
• Remove popcorn to bowl and set aside. In same pot, melt butter over medium heat.
• Add sugar and salt and mix with a whisk. Heat until it boils. It will separate at first then it will become lighter in color and a bit foamy.
• Turn off heat and pour popcorn into caramel, tossing to coat. Mix well and pour back into bowl.