Tipsy Bourbon Caramel Corn Food

ALMOST-FAMOUS CARAMEL CORN

Steps:

• Put the vegetable oil and a few test popcorn kernels in a large pot. Heat over medium-high heat until the kernels pop, then carefully add the remaining kernels in a single layer. Cover and cook, shaking the pot, until there are several seconds between pops. Transfer the popcorn to a bowl. Lightly oil a baking sheet.
• Wipe out the pot, then add the sugar, corn syrup, molasses, peanut oil, 1/4 teaspoon salt and the peanuts. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring often, until a candy thermometer registers 290 degrees F, about 8 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the popcorn until coated. Transfer the caramel corn to the prepared baking sheet and let cool, then break into small pieces.

BACON BOURBON CARAMEL POPCORN

Steps:

• Preheat your oven to 250º.
• Melt 1 cup of butter over medium heat. Mix in brown sugar, corn syrup and sea salt and then stir until boiling at the edges. Lower the heat slightly and let boil until the caramel is 250º. Remove from heat and add the baking soda and bourbon. Once fully incorporated, stir in the bacon.
• Divide the popcorn into two very lightly greased roasting pans and coat with the caramel. Mix well and then put the popcorn into the preheated oven for about 45 minutes to an hour, mixing every 10-15 minutes so the kernels of popped corn is coated in bourbon bacon coating.
• Once done, pour onto either parchment paper or wax paper to cool and break into pieces.
• Refrigerate.

CARAMEL CORN

Steps:

• In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat oil and kernels over high heat, uncovered, until first pop. Cover and remove from heat for 1 minute. Return to high heat and shake until popping ceases. Sprinkle with salt and shake to distribute evenly. Measure 3 1/2 cups of popcorn, and reserve.
• Place sugar in a saucepan and add enough water to cover. Cook until caramelized and golden then stir in the reserved popcorn and peanuts. Pour onto greased sheet pan and break up slightly into clumps.

NUTTY CARAMEL CORN

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with a piece of parchment paper and spray lightly with cooking spray.
• Put the oil and 3 or 4 popcorn kernels in a large pot with a lid (at least 6 quarts). Cover the pot and turn the heat up to medium-high. Wait until you hear one of the kernels pop, then uncover the pot and add the remaining kernels. Quickly stir everything together then replace the lid. Cook the popcorn until the kernels begin popping and then reduce the heat slightly. Cook, shaking often, until the rate of popping starts to slow, 2 to 3 minutes. Do not wait for all of the kernels to pop or they will burn. Take off the heat.
• Combine the brown sugar, corn syrup, butter and salt in a medium pot. Heat over medium heat until melted and smooth. Stir in the baking soda.
• Pour the nuts on top of the popcorn. Then pour the caramel into the pot with the popcorn; stir to coat and spread the popcorn onto the prepared baking sheet.
• Bake, stirring occasionally, until slightly golden, about 20 minutes. Cool completely, and then break apart before serving.

MAPLE BOURBON CARAMEL CORN

Steps:

• Heat oven to 250°F. Line 2 (15x10x1-inch) pans with cooking parchment paper.
• In large bowl, mix popcorn, bacon, pecans and apples. Set aside.
• In 3-quart heavy saucepan, heat butter, brown sugar and syrup to boiling, stirring constantly. Reduce heat; simmer 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in bourbon, vanilla, salt and baking soda. Pour over popcorn mixture; toss to coat evenly. Spread in pans.
• Bake 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes. Cool at least 1 hour before serving. Store in refrigerator.