Saturday, December 17, 2011

Twenty Five Days of Treats for the Holidays - Day 17

Today is my uncle's birthday, and in his honor, here is a treat my mom used to make for him.


And no, I would never touch this recipe in a million years!  It is FAR superior to anything you'd ever buy, and it's worth the time it takes to make it.  Let me add this:  You will be working with a hot candy-like product, and sugar burns really REALLY hurt because the sugar continues cooking on your skin.  Gross, I know, but true.  Please be careful, especially if you have little ones on hand or under foot!  So on to the recipe!


SPH Caramel Corn
5 quarts popped popcorn
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1 cup butter
2 cups brown sugar
1 t. cream of tartar
1 t. baking soda

Use airpopped popcorn if you can, or use PLAIN microwave popcorn.  You can also use "regular" pan popped popcorn, but because of the oil on it, the caramel doesn't stick so well.  Pour your popcorn into a large baking pan, like a roaster. 

Be sure to use a big pan!  Mix and bring to a boil:  syrup, butter, sugar, and cream of tartar.  Cook 5 minutes after starting to boil, stirring constantly.  Remove from heat and add baking soda, mix well (it WILL FOAM UP).

Pour over popcorn and stir to cover well.  Place in a 200 degree oven, and bake for 1 hour.  Stir every 15 minutes.  Pour onto waxed paper and separate.  Store in an airtight container.

I can promise you, it won't stay on the waxed paper very long!  This is a great treat to put in a jar and pass on - no matter what the occasion!

1 comment:

Emily said...

Mmmm, sounds delicious. I was pleasantly surprised to find six beautiful scrubbies in my mailbox today. They are great! So glad I won your prize. As I type I have some homemade hot chocolate sitting next to me thanks to your recipe. Instead of French vanilla creamer this one has peppermint in it. My daughters and I made enough for all eight of their preschool teachers and aides. Tomorrow we will be making the bath salts for the eight wonderful women that teach my girls so much. I love reading you blog everyday to see what we could do next. Thanks for the scrubbies and the great ideas.