Mock Cracker Jacks

 I do have a recipe for caramel corn, but this is not it.  Around our house we eat ball-park food on the Detroit Tigers opening day.   This would include hot dogs, nachos & cheese, peanuts, IBC root beer (we don't drink beer,), and cracker jacks.   If you make this for your kids, go to the dollar store and pick out a few toys to put in their bag of cracker jacks.  I normally double this recipe.

MOCK CRACKER JACKS

Ingredients:

*1/3 cup popcorn kernels (8-10 cup of popped corn)

*1 cup, Spanish peanuts 

*1/4 cup butter

*1/3 cup brown sugar, packed

*2 tablespoons molasses

*1/4 teaspoon baking soda

*1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions:

~Preheat oven to 250 degrees.

~Spray a cookie sheet with cooking spray and set aside.

~Pop 1/3 cup popcorn kernels.

~Remove any kernels that didn't pop.

~Place popcorn into a large mixing bowl along with 1 cup Spanish peanuts.

~In a small saucepan, combine 1/4 cup butter, 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar, and 2 tablespoons molasses.

~Bring mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.

~Once mixture comes to a boil, reduce heat to a simmer and simmer for 3 minutes.

~Remove from heat and quickly stir in 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon baking soda until mixture is foamy.

~Pour hot mixture over popcorn and peanuts and stir until well coated.

~Pour onto prepared cookie sheet and spread out into a single layer (as much as possible).

~Bake in preheated oven for 60 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes.

~Remove from oven and allow to cool.

~Break apart any large pieces.

Bacon Popcorn

 This is pretty tasty.  Great way to use up bacon grease.  You can add melted butter after you put the popped corn into a bowl if you'd like

BACON POPCORN

Ingredients:

*4 ounces bacon grease

*3/4 cup pop corn kernels

*2 teaspoons salt

*8 slices bacon 

Directions:

~Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

~Place 8 slices of bacon on in a single layer on a cookie sheet.

~Bake in preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, turning half way through (cook until bacon is crispy).

~Remove from oven and cool.

~Cut up bacon into small pieces and set aside.

~In a large pot heat up 4 ounces bacon grease and 2 teaspoons salt (I use a whirley pop corn maker).

~Put in 2 or 3 kernels in grease.  Once they start to pop add 3/4 cup pop corn.

~Put a lid on the pop and shake often as popcorn cooks.

~When the popping slows down, shut off burners.

~Remove and place popped corn into a large bowl.

~Stir in cut cup bacon and serve.

Mock Cracker Jacks

 It is best to prep your ingredients before starting the recipe.    I like to take my bag sealer and cut squares in waxed paper.  I seal 3 edges and then put a small toy or sticker in it.  I then seal up the last edge.   I make little bags of cracker jacks and then put the toy surprise in it.   The kids and adults love it.  

MOCK CRACKER JACKS

 (makes about cups)

Ingredients:

*2j tablespoons vegetable oil (for popping popcorn)

*1/4  cup + 2 tablespoons popcorn kernels (I actually make it just a little under a 1/2 cup)

*1 1/2 cups salted spanish peanuts 

*1/2 cup butter, cut into pieces (for easier melting)

*1 cup brown sugar, packed

*1/8 cup light corn syrup 

*1/4 cup molasses 

*1 teaspoon salt

*1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 

*1/4 teaspoon baking soda

Directions:

~Pop the popcorn in the vegetable oil until done.

~Remove any kernels that haven't popped.

~Place popped corn and Spanish peanuts into a large bowl.

~Preheat oven to 250 degrees.

~Spray 2 large cookie sheets with cooking spray or lightly grease.

~In a small saucepan, stir in butter, browns sugar, molasses, corn syrup and salt over medium heat until the butter melts.

~Add a candy thermometer if you have one.

~Allow mixture to cook (without stirring) until it reaches 248 degrees (or about 3 -5 minutes once it starts to boil).

~Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and baking soda.

~Pour it immediately over the popcorn and Spanish peanuts stirring until well coated.

~Transfer unto prepared pans.

~Bake for 30 minutes, stirring half way through.

~Remove from oven and allow to cool completely (it will crisp up as it cools).

Buffalo Popcorn

I enjoy the sweet and spicy mixture of this.  

BUFFALO POPCRON

Ingredients:

* 1/2 cup popcorn kernels 

*1/2 cup water

*1 cup granulated sugar

*2 tablespoons butter

*1/3-1/2 cup franks red hot

*1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

*1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

*1/2 teaspoon salt

*1 teaspoon baking powder

Directions:

~Popcorn in air popcorn maker, over the stover or in a whirlypop.

~Remove any unpeopled kernels.

~Place a silicone mat on a cookie sheet or spray it with cooking spay.

~Preheat oven to 250 degrees.

~In a medium sauce pan, pour in water and sugar, DO NOT STIR.

~Heat over medium heat and bring to a boil.

~Boil for 5 minutes.

~Stir in butter until it melts.

~Remove from heat.

~Stir in  hot sauce, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, and salt until well mixed.

~Quickly stir in baking soda (it will foam up).

~Stream over popcorn and stir until popcorn is well coated.

~Bake for 25 minutes.

~Stir and bake another 20 minutes.

~Remove from heat and allow to cool for 10 minutes.  

Flavoried Candied Popcorn

 You can make this any color and any flavor.  The kids love it!  

FLAVORIED CANDIED POPCORN

Ingredients:

*1 tablespoon vegetable oil (if using a hot air popper, you won't need the oil)

*1/2 cup popcorn kernels ( divide it in half and pop two batches)

*2 cups granulated sugar

*1/4 cup water

*2 tablespoons butter

*1/2 cup of light corn syrup

*1 (.125 oz) bottle of flavoring oil for strong flavors (cinnamon, licorice, mints, etc)

  2 (.125 ounce) for mild flavors (green apple, cherry, banana, bubble gum, etc)

*1/4 teaspoon salt

*food coloring gel or paste 

Directions:

~Pop your 1/2 cup popcorn in 1 tablespoon oil,  remove any kernels.

~In a large pot, combine 2 cups granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons butter,  1/2 cup corn syrup, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.

~Stir in 1 (.125 oz) of flavoring.

~Cook over medium heat, stirring mixture until it comes to a rolling boil.

~Allow to boil for around 5 minutes, without stirring.

~Remove from heat and a small amount of food coloring and mix well.

~Pour about 1/3 of the mixture over divided popcorn, and stir well.

~Repeat two more times, until all of the mixture is mixed well over popcorn.

~Line a baking pan with parchment paper.

~Place popcorn in a single layer on baking pan.

~Repeat process again using different color food coloring.

~Preheat oven to 250 degrees.

~Bake candied popcorn for 30 minutes (stirring every 10 minutes).

~Remove from oven and allow to cool for 20-30 minutes. 

~Break apart any pieces that may be stuck together.

~Store in a cool dry place.

Flavor and Color Ideas:

`green = wintergreen, sour apple, watermelon

`yellow = banana, lemon, butter popcorn, butterscotch, maple

`red = cinnamon, cherry,  strawberry

`pink = bubble gum, cherry, tutti fruiti

`blue = cotton candy, blue raspberry, blueberry

`orange = orange, caramel, maple

`purple = grape

`brown = coffee (or use 2 tablespoons instant coffee), chocolate, root beer

Cheese Popcorn

Quick and easy to make.   You do need to have powdered cheese.  I bought mine from amazon, but I have seen it in grocery stores.   I also bought my flavorcol on line too.  

CHEESE POPCORN

Ingredients:

*2 tablespoons vegetable oil

*1/2 cup popcorn kernels (about 1 1/2 quarts popped)

*1/4 teaspoon flavorcol (if you don't have it, use salt)

*1/4 -1/3 cup powdered cheese

Directions:

~Place vegetable oil into a large stock pot (I use a whirly-popper).

~Heat over medium-high heat.

~Once oil is hot, add popcorn kernels and flavorcol and stir until mixed.

~Once kernels start popping, add lid and shake pan as corn pops.

~Once popping slows down, turn off heat.

~Continue shaking pan for another 15-20 seconds.

~Pour popped corn into a large bowl.

~Sprinkle 1/3 of  powdered cheese over popcorn and stir.

~Repeat two more times, coating all of the popcorn.

**I have found if I use a large bowl that has a cover on it, works great.  I just dump the popcorn in, sprinkle the powdered cheese over top, put the lid on the bowl and gently shake and turn the bowl.  It just a couple seconds the popcorn is all coated.

Red Hot Cinnamon Popcorn

This is a colorful popcorn to make for Christmas.  It tastes wonderful and can really be made all year long.

RED HOT CINNAMON POPCORN
(serves 24)

Ingredients:
*8 quarts popcorn (1 cup kernels)
*1 cup butter
*3/4 cup light corn syrup
*1 (9 ounce) package red hot candies
*1/2 teaspoon salt
*1/4 teaspoon baking soda.

Directions:

~Pop 1 cup popcorn kernels (remove any kernels that didn't pop).
~Preheat oven to 250 degrees.
~Spray a 15x10 in jelly roll pan or roasting pan with cooking spray.
~Place popped popcorn in prepared pan.
~In a large saucepan, mix 1 cup butter, 3/4 cup corn syrup, 1 (9 ounce) bag red hots candy and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
~Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring continuously.
~Boil for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
~Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 teaspoon baking soda (mixture will become foamy).
~Pour over popcorn and stir until well coated.
~Bake for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes.
~Remove from oven, and spread over a clean surface.
~Allow to cool completely.
~Break apart and store in airtight container or ziplock bag.

Cinnamon Bun Caramel Corn

Oh my, this is so good and may or may not be addicting.   It makes your house smell wonderful while you are cooking it.

CINNAMON BUN CARAMEL CORN
(serves 10)

Ingredients:
*10 cups popped popcorn, removing any kernels
*1 cup pecans, chopped
*1  cup light brown sugar
*1 teaspoon cinnamon
*1/4 cup light corn syrup
*1/2 cup butter, sliced
*1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
*1/4 merkins white chocolate, melted

Directions:
~Preheat oven to 250 degrees.
~Spray a jelly roll pan with a cooking spray.
~In a large mixing bowl, place popcorn & pecans.
~In a large microwave safe mixing bowl,  combine brown sugar, cinnamon.
~Place butter and corn syrup over top of mixture.
~Microwave on high for 30 seconds.
~Stir until well mixed.
~Microwave for another 2 minutes.
~Remove and stir once more.
~Microwave for 2 more minutes or until mixture is bubbly (do not over heat).
~Remove from microwave and store in vanilla and baking soda (it will become foamy).
~Pour over popcorn and mix until everything is well coated.
~Spread into prepared pan.
~Bake for 60 minutes stirring every 15 minutes.
~Remove from oven and give the mixture one more good stir.
~Spread the caramel corn over a clean service.
~Melt chocolate and drizzle over the caramel corn.
~After the almond bark hardens on the caramel corn, break mixture apart.

Kettle Corn

My husband & daughter love this.   If you make this, you will never want to buy it again.  It's so easy, quick & inexpensive to make & so fresh.  The only draw back, is make sure you remove it from the heat as soon as the popping slows down.  It will burn if you don't!

KETTLE CORN
(serves 6)

Ingredients:
*1/4 cup vegetable oil
*1/4 cup granulated sugar
*2/3 cup unpopped popcorn kernals
*salt to taste, around 1/4 teaspoon

Directions:
~In a large heavy bottom stainless steel skillet, pour in vegetable oil & popcorn.
~Heat over medium heat.
~Cover, and wait for one or two kernals pop, shaking every few seconds.
~Pour in sugar and stir until mixed well.
~Cover again.
~Shake vigorously while popping.
~Once the popping has slowed way down, remove from heat and dump onto clean counter top or a large bowl.
~Sprinkle with salt and stir with a large bowl.
~Once cooled a little, I like to remove any unpopped kernals before serving.

Snickering Caramel Popcorn

Just a small amount of this popcorn will take care of any chocolate craving.   It's very good.

SNICKERING CARAMEL CORN


Ingredients:
*2 quarts air popped corn (about 1/2 cup kernels)
*1/2 cup butter, cut into pieces
*1 cup light brown sugar, packed
*1/2 teaspoon salt
*1/4 cup light corn syrup
*1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
*1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup peanuts
*1 (11.50 ounce) bag Snicker's Mini's
*4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips

Directions:
~Pop 1/2 cup popcorn kernels.
~Spray a large roasting pan with a cooking spray.
~Remove any unpopped kernels, and put popcorn in prepared roasting pan.
~Preheat oven to 200 degrees.
~Unwrap & cut up 1 (11.50 ounce) mini snicker's bars into quarters, set aside.
~In a medium saucepan, over medium heat, bring 1/2 cup butter, 1 cup brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 cup corn syrup to a boil.
~Boil for 5 minutes, stirring a couple times.
~Remove from heat, and stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla an 1/2 teaspoon baking soda.
~Pour over the popcorn and stir to coat all the popcorn.
~Add 1/2 cup peanuts and stir in well.
~Bake for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes.
~Remove form oven, and gently stir in cut up candy bars.
~Return to the oven for 2 minutes.
~Remove from oven and dump caramel corn on wax paper.
~Melt  4 ounce chocolate chips in a double boiler over low heat (I do this durning the last 15 minutes of cooking the caramel corn).
~Drizzle melted chocolate over caramel corn.
~Once the chocolate has cooled & is set, break apart caramel corn.
~Store in a gallon size zip-loc bag.

Buttered Popcorn

My husband could have a bowl of popcorn every night. Our dog Peanut, loves when we make popcorn. He sits right by our feet knowing we will either throw him a piece or will drop a some.

BUTTERED POPCORN

(serves 4 and a dog)

Ingredients:

*3 tablespoons clarified butter

*3 tablespoons canola oil

*1/3 cup popcorn kernels

*salt to taste

Directions:

~1 - 3 quart covered saucepan (I prefer my cast iron pan)

~Heat oil in pan over medium-high heat.

~Put 4 kernels of corn into the oil, and cover.

~When the kernels of corn start to pop, quickly pour in the rest of the popcorn kernels, in a even layer and cover.

~Remove from heat for 30 seconds.

~Return the pan to the heat.

~Once the popping starts again, gently shake the pan back and forth over burner.

~Try to keep the lid ajar a little durning this process.

~Once the popping slows down to to just a few pops, remove pan from heat.

~Quickly pour into a large bowl.

~Add warm clarified butter, mix throughly.

~Add desired amount of salt, shaking popped corn to distribute salt evenly over popcorn.

Caramel Corn

My family loves caramel corn. I always make it for Christmas Eve when we watch our traditional movie, "Muppet's Christmas Carol".

CARAMEL CORN 

(serves 10)

Ingredients:

*3 1/2 quarts popped popcorn, (about 1/2 cup unpopped)

*1/2 cup butter

*1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar

*1/4 cup light corn syrup

*1/2 teaspoon salt

*1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

*1/4 teaspoon baking soda

Directions:

~Preheat oven to 250 degrees.

~Grease well a 15x10 inch a roasting pan.

~Pop pop corn.

~Carefully remove all unpopped pop corn.

~Set popped corn aside.

~Melt butter in large heavy saucepan.

~Stir in brown sugar, corn syrup and salt.

~Bring to a boil.

~Reduce heat and boil 5 minutes.

~Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and baking soda.

~Pour syrup over popcorn mixture and mix well.

~Spread in greased jelly roll pan (or roaster).

~Bake 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes.

~Remove from oven and separate kernels when cool enough to handle.

~Store in airtight container or ziploc bag.

Variation:

`1 cup peanuts or pecans to caramel before adding to popped corn.