You put the popcorn in the cup, add the caramel and stuff, and you mix it all up. Isn't that how the song goes? Not exactly🤣🤣.
Well, when you add popcorn and chewy or crunchy caramel, you get a delicious treat that we can celebrate on today.
According to nationaldaycalendar.com, "combining popcorn and molasses began in the early 1800s. However, caramel was prevalent as well, and with the production of Cracker Jack, the popularity was ever-increasing. Invented by Frederick Rueckheim, the popcorn merchant dabbled with creating a new snack. An immigrant from Germany to Chicago, he enlisted his brother, Louis, to help. After adding molasses and nuts, their snack was ready for an introduction to the masses.
Like many famous foods, Cracker Jack gained popularity on the stage at the 1893 World's Fair. Other foods to grab the public's attention at similar expositions include cotton candy and the ice cream cone. While they weren't invented there, nor did they make their debut, they sure did capture the imagination and make a lasting impression there.
However, in 1908, something happened to connect Cracker Jack and baseball permanently in the American psyche, while also launching the business into high gear. A young entertainer by the name of Jack Norworth penned a catchy tune referencing Cracker Jack and the American pastime. The song "Take Me Out To The Ballgame" not only caused sales of the snack food to soar but the fans of the game continue to sing the song at every game.
There are many commercial brands and forms of caramel corn available in grocery stores, cinemas, and convenience stores. There are also specialty brands available in stores, gift catalogs, and online."
In honor of today, here's a few ways you can pay homage:
📍Stop by your favorite treat store and purchase a bag of caramel popcorn.
📍Try this recipe: Chocolate Caramel Popcorn
𝗜𝗻𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀:
Popcorn:
1/4 cup (60mL) popcorn kernels
1 tbsp (15mL) oil
Candied Peanuts:
1 cup (250 mL) peanuts
1/4 cup (60 mL) sugar
2 tbsp (30 mL) water
1 tsp (5mL) cinnamon
Caramel:
1/2 cup (125 mL) butter
1 cup (250 mL) brown sugar
1/4 cup (60 mL) corn syrup
1/2 tsp (2 mL) salt
1/2 tsp (2 mL) vanilla extract
1/4 (1 mL) baking soda
Add-Ins:
2 cups (500 mL) mini marshmallows
1 cup (250 mL) semi-sweet chocolate morsels, melted
𝗗𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀
Preheat the oven to 250F (120C) and line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
Add the popcorn kernels and oil to the Electric Pop & Stir. Select POP. When there’s about 3 seconds between pops, turn the switch to OFF. Measure out 8 cups (2L) of popcorn and place on a sheet pan and keep warm in the oven,
For the candied peanuts, add all the ingredients to the Electric Pop& Stir. Select NUTS and run until the nuts are coated and just start to look sandy, about 6 minutes. (don’t let them cook too long or the sugar will come off.) Remove and set aside.
For the caramel, melt the butter over medium heat in a small saucepan. Add the brown sugar, corn syrup, and salt. Bring to a boil and cook for 4 minutes without stirring. Remove the pan from the heat.
Add the vanilla and baking soda to the sugar mixture and stir to combine.
Add the popcorn and nuts to an extra-large bowl. Add the caramel sauce and toss to coat evenly.
Spread the mixture evenly onto a sheet pan. Bake for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes.
Stir in the marshmallows and drizzle with the melted chocolate. Refrigerate for 1 hour, or until the chocolate has set. break into pieces and serve.
𝗬𝗶𝗲𝗹𝗱: 12 servings
Your Pampered Chef’s Tips: Make this recipe into fun, festive gifts. Wrap the pieces in clear plastic bags, so everyone can enjoy your creations!
Deluxe Blender #100125
Microwave Popper #1457
Double Strength Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla Extract #9739
Electric Pop & Stir #100896
Don't have these items on hand, don't panic. Pick them up here⬇️
ACTION STEP: Pop up this perfect, party pleasing treat, Pop in your favorite movie and invite a few friends and family over. Then let me know in the comments how it turned out or Kick your kitchen up a notch by booking your cooking show here:
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