Caramel Corn

I continue to search for recipes for homemade snacks so we don't have to buy anything packaged.  Even things that are "healthy" and "organic" often use white flour.  And even if it is all whole wheat it is almost guaranteed to have an unhealthy oil...canola, etc.  I have also been trying to make snacks for out trip next week.  So last night I finally got around to making caramel corn (I've been eyeing this recipe for quite some time).  It's from Naturally Knocked Up.  Oh my, this is awesome!!  And addictive :)  And sooooo easy to make.  It takes about 5 min. to prep it.  Then it bakes for 15 min.  And you're done.  I will definitely be making this more often!  And I think I may have to make another batch before our trip (maybe a double batch)...this one won't last long :)  It makes about half of a gallon-size ziplock bag.  It is sweet, so you can't go overboard when you eat it.  But at least it uses all good ingredients.  In the future I'll use crispy peanuts.  I don't have any on hand at the  moment, so I just tossed in a handful of regular roasted peanuts we have in the cupboard.  It's like cracker jacks :)  I have a popcorn popper, so that's how I make my popcorn.  And I don't use any coconut oil.  If you don't have a popper you can cook it in a pot on the stove like the recipe suggests.  This is a great snack if you eat gluten free or just want to avoid too much gluten or wheat.

This is also pretty cost-effective.  Even with good quality, organic ingredients this is only about $2.75 for a whole batch (without peanuts).

Caramel Corn

1/4 cup organic popping corn
2 Tbsp. butter or coconut oil (for popping)

The topping:

1/4 cup butter
1/2 cup sucanat (I used organice evaporated brown sugar cane)
1/4 cup real maple syrup
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1/4 tsp. sea salt
optional – chopped nuts (I add them whole...crispy peanuts if available)

Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Mix topping ingredients together in saucepan over medium heat while corn is popping (or for about 2 minutes). Then mix the topping and popcorn (and nuts if using) together well in a large bowl, taking out any unpopped kernels you find. (I spread it out on a parchment lined baking sheet after mixing.)  Place in a 300 degree oven for about 15 minutes. Let cool slightly and break apart. Enjoy!