Caramel Corn

...and a give away...

This weekend Aaron whipped up some caramel corn and it is so funny that this recipe has become our signature recipe.  It is definitely means "home" to me now...and I can expect that any time Aaron is left to his own devices that, if it is not too humid, he usually makes up a batch.  This was Aaron's recipe from his childhood...he made it often when we were dating and is his favorite.  Since we've been married, many people have gotten a bag or two delivered to their front door with a smile. We love it...and think other people do too!  It is great for sharing!  Aaron has perfected this recipe over time and it is the lone recipe that is allowed to stay out of the box and is a permanent fixture on the fridge.  Our boys have made it so many times, in their short lives, that they could probably tell you what to do to get the project started, what pan to use, etc.  They love making caramel corn with daddy...and I love it too!   This recipe is an easy one.   It is not one of those, every kernel is completely coated, recipes...it is simple and yummy.  It takes a good balance of popcorn to make sure the coating is not too thick and chewy. 

Here is what you do...

Caramel Popcorn

Ingredients:
3 1/2 quarts popcorn...for us this is 2 bags of microwave popcorn--it is best if you use the butter kind that is also pre-salted
1/2 cup margarine
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp vanilla
1/4 tsp baking soda

What to do:
Pop your popcorn in the microwave.  When it is done pour into a large (bigger than 9 by 13 if you can, we use a roasting pan with higher sides) pan.  Pick out and throw away any un-popped kernels.  In a sauce pan, combine margarine, brown sugar, corn syrup, and salt.  Bring to a boil and boil for 5 minutes over medium heat.  When it is done, remove from heat and then add the vanilla and baking soda, stir.

Pour over popcorn while stirring and bake in a 250* oven, while stirring every 15 minutes, for 1 hour.  After it is done baking, spread out on a layer of wax paper on your table or counter to let cool...this also helps it not stick together in big clumps.  Either eat it all right away, or store in an airtight container.

This is definitely one of those sweet but salty snacks!

I was asked, by Frito Lay, to share one of my favorite Taste from Home recipes and this is the one that most reminds me of home as a way of entering into their contest.  They are also providing me with chips as a part of my participation.  These chips were inspired by popular American regional cuisine and include:

• Northeastern U.S. – Lay’s Honey Mustard
• Midwestern U.S. – Lay’s Creamy Garden Ranch
• Northwestern U.S. – Lay’s Balsamic Sweet Onion
• Southwestern U.S. – Lay’s Chipotle Ranch
• Southeastern U.S. – Lay’s Cajun Herb & Spice

All of the Lay's Regional Flavored potato chips are made with all natural ingredients and cooked in healthier oils, like corn and sunflower oils, which contain 80% or more of polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fat - the "good fats." They also contain 0 grams of trans fats per serving!

There’s also less sodium in them than you might think – a 1-oz serving of our Lay’s Regional Flavored potato chips contains less salt than a plain bagel!

If I were to choose two of their Regional Flavored Chips, I would choose Balsamic Sweet Onion and Honey Mustard (it was definitely hard to choose only two of the flavors...they all look sooooo good!) They are giving me a snack size sample pack to give away, so here is what you need to do to enter:

1.  Share a recipe that reminds you of home and link up your blog and get 5 entries.  (please make sure to provide a link on your blog to mine)

2.  Become a follower of my blog get 1 entry.

Make a comment in my comments section that you have done both of these things in order to receive your entries.  I will draw the winner Thursday August 25.

I hope this recipe becomes a fixture in your home too! Enjoy!

Blessings to you,

Amanda

I am also linking up today at:
Tempt My Tummy Tuesdays
At the Well Titus 2
Show Me What Ya Got

Tasty Tuesday at Balancing Beauty and Bedlam

Comfy in the Kitchen
Domestically Divine



Titus 2sDays
Teach Me Tuesdays
Women Living Well
Raising Homemakers
Womanly Ways Wednesday