Caramel Popcorn with Honey
Caramel popcorn has been a favorite snack food since the invention of Cracker Jacks in the late 1800s. Since then, people have been making this tasty treat in their own homes. Although ingredients vary due to diverse taste preferences, honey has been introduced as a form of natural sweetener.
Popping the Kernels
Popcorn kernels come in a variety of sizes, colors, textures and shapes and each is sufficient for caramel popcorn. Once you have chosen your favorite, coat the bottom of a four quart pot with 3 tbsp. of cooking oil. You can use olive oil, vegetable oil, canola oil or sunflower oil. If 3 tbsp. is not enough to cover the bottom of your pan, add another tablespoon. Turn your stove on medium/high and add 1/2 cup of the popcorn kernels or enough to cover the bottom of the pan. Use a tight sealing lid to cover the entire opening of the pan. This will help to lock in heat and keep the popcorn from shooting out of the pot. After the kernels begin to pop, gently shake the pan to prevent the kernels from burning. When the kernels are popping with three to five second intervals between pops, take the pan off of the stove.
You can also use the microwaveable popcorn bags from the grocery store. Because many of the grocery store bags contain butter flavors, try to select one with minimal flavoring. This will keep the outside of your popcorn dry, which helps the caramel coating stick.
Making the Caramel
Place a large pan over medium heat and add 1 tbsp. of butter and 1/4 cup of honey. You could also use margarine or any other low fat, butter-like substance to create a more health conscious dish. Select any grade of honey but be sure it's free of any comb particles. Continue to heat the two ingredients over medium heat until it starts boiling. Boil your sauce for one to two minutes or until it turns a slightly darker shade of brown.
Creating the Caramel Popcorn
Gather your popcorn in a large mixing bowl and set aside a long-handled mixing spoon. After your caramel has cooled for a minute, slowly pour the sauce over the popcorn while gently stirring. Continue this step until the honey mixture is gone or you have achieved the desired amount of caramel on the popcorn. If excess sauce resides at the bottom of the mixing bowl, continue to stir until it completely coats the popcorn so that you avoid soggy popcorn pieces.
Tags: Caramel Popcorn, caramel popcorn, cover bottom, enough cover, enough cover bottom, grocery store
