Dana Commandatore is a mom, advertising executive, and autism advocate. Baking and cleaning is how she relaxes and balances her busy schedule. Since cleaning only makes her happy she likes to bake and share it with her family, neighbors, friends, and co-workers.
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I had to get up early today to take my son on a class trip so I made this last night. I almost couldn’t stop eating eat. It’s like Cracker Jack for adults. I’ll be making this again tomorrow for the office.
Spicy Caramel Popcorn
Adapted from The Craft of Baking
Makes 4 quarts
- Nonstick cooking spray or vegetable oil
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup popcorn kernels
- 2 cups salted peanuts (optional)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1/4 to 3/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (see Note)
- 3 cups sugar
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 to 1 1/2 tablespoons kosher or coarse sea salt (see Note)
Lightly coat two large, heatproof rubber spatulas, a very large mixing bowl and two large baking sheets with nonstick cooking spray or a thin slick of oil.
In a large saucepan or pot with a lid, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the popcorn kernels, cover and keep the saucepan moving until all of the kernels have popped, about 5 minutes. Transfer to the prepared bowl, removing any unpopped kernels. Toss with salted peanuts, if using.
In a small bowl, whisk together the baking soda and cayenne pepper.
Have the two large baking sheets ready. In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, butter, salt and 1/2 cup water. Cook over high heat, without stirring, until the mixture becomes a light golden-yellow caramel, 10 to 14 minutes. Remove from the heat and carefully whisk in the baking-soda mixture (the mixture will bubble up).
Immediately pour the caramel mixture over the popcorn and don’t fuss if it doesn’t all come out of the pot — you’ll have plenty. Working quickly and carefully, use the prepared spatulas to toss the caramel and popcorn together, as if you were tossing a salad, until the popcorn is well coated.
Spread the popcorn onto the baking sheets and quickly separate them into small pieces while still warm. Cool to room temperature, about 15 minutes. Once cool, store in an airtight container for up to two weeks or two minutes, if you’ve got a family like mine.
This is where I found the recipe here at Smitten Kitchen.
Just kidding....Kira is a writer, actor and suburban housewife and mother. Her mantra is "If I can't do it from the couch, is it really worth it?"
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