Secret Caramel Corn

Shh...I'll let you in on a little secret. I made caramel corn this morning, and it's the best caramel corn I've ever tasted. It's salty and sweet, flavored with butter and vanilla, and each piece is enrobed in just the right amount of caramel. Mmm...

I know, I know, it's the season of giving. That's why I made caramel popcorn, to give as gifts.

 But then I tasted this caramel corn. And I tasted it again and again. I think we all see where this is going. The popcorn is rapidly disappearing, and it's not because I'm putting it in gift bags. So, please don't tell anyone that I made caramel corn for them. I didn't.

Check out the recipe here.

  My advice is to invite a few friends or family members over to help you make this caramel popcorn . Otherwise they might never get to try it.

First you need to pop 10 cups of popcorn. Each batch of popcorn starts with 3 kernels...when they pop you know the oil is ready.

I've never popped corn on the stovetop before, but I'm an instant convert. Why have I been hiding all the fun away in the microwave all of these years? A hot pan with a bit of oil, a smattering of kernels, and as much shaking as one girl can muster is pretty magical.

Just look what happens! I sprinkled the hot popcorn with a bit of salt and called it lunch. I love being the boss of myself! I think I'm really maturing.

After "lunch" I made caramel, mixed it with the popcorn, and then baked it in a warm oven for an hour. The result was two baking sheets full of deliciousness.

I don't know how many handfuls this made, but I think it's safe to say that this recipe serves approximately one hungry snacker (or more if you're willing to part with it).

You'll have to pry it out of my hands if you want some of mine.

Go on and make some of your own. Your mouth will be so happy you did!

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I hope you're staying warm, healthy, and happy on this shortest day of the year.