Monday, December 21, 2009

Last Minute Maple Brown Sugar Popcorn and Bonus Toffee Popcorn

You know someone is going to stop by your house this evening. Someone you completely forgot about it. They'll bring you a gift and you will stammer and tell them that you will be by later to bring a little something by; you haven't forgotten-just haven't had a chance to whip up that little something, uh..because the holidays are just so busy. This somebody is probably on the way to your house RIGHT NOW, but don't panic. All you have to do is whip up some last minute candied popcorn. And you know something? It's sweet, crunchy, and completely addictive and it couldn't be cheaper-or easier to make, thanks to a new method I tried out this morning.
Pop a couple of bags of microwave popcorn, low fat if possible, since you really don't need any added butter. Or pop you own out of about 1 cup kernels. Pour it into a large brown bag, the one you have sitting around waiting to make the brown bag apple with.
In the microwave, boil some butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup for two minutes. Stir in some vanilla (or maple extract-my favorite) and some baking soda.
Pour it over the popcorn in the bag...and give it to the most hyperactive person in your house. Let them shake it and boogie down, baby.
Voila! You've got enough to share. Phew, just in time, because wasn't that the doorbell?
Maple and Brown Sugar Candied Popcorn
Estimated Cost: $2.00 for about 2 gallon bag fulls
1 cup popcorn kernels, popped, or two bags microwave popcorn
10 tablespoons butter
1 and 1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1 teaspoon maple extract (or sub vanilla)
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
Pour popcorn into brown bag. In a LARGE (mixture will expand) microwaveable bowl, melt butter in microwave. Stir in brown sugar and syrup. Bring to a boil in the microwave and continue to microwave for two minutes. Stir in extract and soda, mixing well. Pour over popcorn in bag. Close bag and shake well. Return to microwave for one minutes. Stir inside the bag with a wooden spoon to distribute coating well. Rip open bag and devour, or be a saint and package some up for friends.
Toffee Popcorn....
Now, I'm also very partial to rich and crunchy toffee popcorn. Sailor just took some to a holiday party this weekend. (Get a load of her candy cane tights in the shadows.)
Here's how to make it:
Toffee Popcorn
Estimated Cost: $1.50 for about 8 cups
1 bag low fat micro popcorn, popped (or 1/2 cup kernels, popped)
1/3 cup butter
1/3 cup sugar
1/4 cup corn syrup
1 tablespoon water
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/8 teaspoon baking soda
Butter a medium saucepan. Melt butter in pan over low heat. Stir in sugar over low heat until completely dissolved. Add corn syrup and water. Bring to a boil, stirring often. Boil for about three minutes, OR until mixture JUST begins to turn tan, almost like the color of chino pants. Add vanilla and soda and mix well. Pour over popcorn and stir. (I would recommend the bag method above for even distribution.)
Next Up:
What we gave the Neighbors this year....

23 comments:

Julie Harward said...

I love Toffee popcorn..I may have to add this to what I am doing...making goodies and candy all day today! Have a good week! Come say hi :D

Michal said...

we will all love this. can't wait to try it. and i've got plenty of movers and shakers to help with even distribution!

Angie said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Angie said...

that looks soooo good! i made caramel corn before, and i had to set in the oven for an hour, stirring every 15 minutes...what a pain! this sounds incredibly easy...i'm definitely trying it out! could you tell me where you get your kernels? i get mine at a supermarket, but they don't have the jumbo gourmet sized kernels :(

A Big Bowl Of Cherries said...

Mmm...this looks so good! What a good idea for those unexpected ones you spoke about :)
Jen

Prudy said...

Angie:
I buy my kernels at Albertson's or Walmart. I don't buy the big kernels, actually-just the cheap jolly time kernels. I buy that brand because it has a really high fiber content. Always trying to sneak in a little extra nutrition. Best of luck to you.

Angie said...

wow those look like big kernels...i will have to try that brand as i usually use meijer brand or orville reddenbacher

Seth and Julie said...

Those pictures of West are cracking me up, and I am so jealous of Sailor's candy cane tights. Too much cuteness happening in your house!

I am so far behind this season that maybe I should just bag the baking, and bag up some popcorn instead.

Leslie said...

You showing us West and telling him to Boogie Down was my favorite part of this post.
The caramel corn looks pretty good, too.
I mean brown sugar, toffee popcorn.
I could eat it all!

The JR said...

funny...love the boogie down!

Finally, I've been in suspense since you wrote about it.

Thanks for sharing with us!!!

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Katrina said...

Ooh, that does sound good!
Have a wonderful Christmas with your family!

dining set said...

Toffee popcorn is a family favorite. We always watch movies at home and we make a whole lot beforehand. And we always ask for more.

Margaret said...

Had to share that I tried the Maple Brown Sugar Popcorn last night. It was so easy and turned out just as yummy as it sounded. The popcorn is all packaged up and ready to deliver to the neighbors this afternoon. Thanks for a great recipe!

Jules said...

Just wanted to say thanks for the Maple Popcorn recipe - YUM! We made it tonight and it was amazing. The hubs and tot were beggin' for more! Not only was it yummy but it was very kid friendly and easy to make! Thank you, thank you!!!

Square Dining Tables Gal said...

Just want to thank you for that toffee popcorn recipe. I realy needed them at home. We own a Dining Table ecommerce site and are always looking for great content to help inspire. Thanks.

décor mirrors Gal said...

I am pretty sure all the kids at home will enjoy eating this ~~ Wall Mirrors

Howard Elliott Mirrors said...

Toffee popcorn is my children's favorite. I to love it!

Dining Table Sets said...

Easy to prepare and kids will have fun in it.

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