Giving someone caramel popcorn is sort of like opening a window directly into their heart. Seriously, I've never seen someone, when presented with a batch of it, not instantly melt into a million thankful pieces. Jazzing it up with a little extra zip from bacon only adds to the addictive qualities. br
Ingredients
5-6 slices of bacon, crisped and crumbled
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/2 cup popcorn kernels
1 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
3 cups sugar
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
Directions
Coat a spatula and mixing bowl with cooking spray. Lay parchment paper on a baking sheet and set aside. In a large saucepan with a lid, heat vegetable oil over medium high. Add the popcorn kernels and cover. Move the pan every 30 seconds or so as the kernels pop. Once there is 2 to 3 seconds between pops, remove and transfer to the bowl. Remove any unpopped kernels. In a medium sauce pan, combine sugar, butter and ½ cup water. Cook over high heat for 10 minutes until golden yellow caramel. Remove from heat and carefully whisk in the baking soda, it will bubble. Quickly fold in bacon bits. Pour the caramel over the popcorn and toss well. Lay the popcorn out on the baking sheet. Allow to cool for 20 minutes before serving.
--Kim Cooper--
