Caramel Popcorn

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How to make & elegantly serve Caramel Popcorn

“Do you happen to know how caramel popcorn is made? This might sound like a bizarre request, but it is my favorite.  I want to serve it to my friends, can you suggest how to make it look more attractive?…”     

                                                                  –    Rasha S. (email)

A few days ago, I received a request for posting a Caramel Popcorn recipe (part of the email above). I thought it was a very good idea for a blog post, because who doesn’t like Caramel Popcorn? And yes you can find them in supermarkets, but you and I know those who love the kitchen love making their own! It is delicious and you don’t have to have it only when in the movie theater! So here is how you can make this delicious snack and how you can transform it into a beautiful dessert that you can serve in afternoon teas, or cocktails receptions as an out of the box option!

In my previous post, I had explored with you Caramelised Sugar (on this link) and how using it to garnish desserts will transform even the simplest desserts to elegant and sophisticated ones. This is especially true in today’s post. If you simply place your Caramel popcorn in mini cups, or even mini waffle cones, and top it with pulled caramelised sugar, it will look fantastic (think desserts buffet, or pass around in a cocktail event).

Your Caramel Popcorn does not have to be the main dessert – while it still can be – it can also be part of the dessert or part of the dessert’s garnish. For instance, you can use caramelised popcorn as a twist on Croquant; instead of using nuts, go for caramelised popcorn. This can be used as a filling or garnish for cakes & Cupcakes, pies or tarts, puddings and desserts in cups.

This is a very versatile ingredient that only requires a bit of imagination, and will offer you such a unique twist to any ordinary dessert.

Ingredients

Serves: 7
Serves 7 main or makes 7 cups of garnish

7 cups prepared popcorn (regular popped popcorn)

6 tbsp butter

3/4 cup packed brown sugar

3 tbsp light corn syrup

1/4 tsp baking soda

Prepare your popcorn as you normally would. Discard any kernels that did not pop and keep the popcorn warm while you make the Caramel.

In a heavy saucepan, combine the brown sugar, corn syrup and butter. Cook stirring over medium heat until the mixture boils. Stop stirring and continue to boil for 5 more minutes over medium heat. Once the 5 minutes are through, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the sifted baking soda. Pour the caramel mixture over the prepared and warm popcorn and stir to coat.

Place the coated popcorn on a lined baking sheet in one layer and bake for 15 minutes in a preheated oven, 300F. Stir the mixture and return to the oven for 5 more minutes. Remove from the oven, and slide the baking sheet with the caramel over a wire rack. Leave to cool.

Once cool enough to handle, break up the caramelised popcorn, and place in mini shot glasses or dessert glasses, top with caramelised sugar garnish and serve as part of your desserts buffet or in a pass around fashion for cocktail events.

TIP

For another presentation option, make ahead a brownie pudding (recipe on this link). Using a mini ice cream scoop, scoop out balls of the pudding and place in a mini waffle cone. Drizzle the brownie pudding with simple chocolate sauce (recipe on this link)  or chocolate ganache (recipe on this link). Sprinkle Caramelised Popcorn on top of the chocolate sauce or ganache, and place a caramelised sugar garnish piece on top to finish.

Serve cold.

 

This is a fun dessert that works both for adults and children parties. It is one that everybody will love!!

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