Bacon Cashew Caramel Corn
Bacon Cashew Caramel Corn
This is a very special caramel corn, so save it for very special movie nights or events. Or, put it in a decorative container or gift bag and give it away for the holidays. Substitute brandy or Cognac for the apple brandy if it is unavailable. We suggest that you pop the corn in a hot-air style popper, or microwave the kernels in plain brown lunch bags for about 3 minutes on high. Work in batches, using only 2 tablespoons of popcorn kernels per bag.
Ingrediënten
Makes about 14 cups
- 12 cups of popped corn made from about ½ cup popcorn kernels
- 1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon about 12 slices
- 1 cup roasted salted cashews
- 1 cup sugar
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¼ cup water
- 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1 ounce 2 tablespoons Calvados (apple brandy)
- 1 teaspoon fleur de sel
Instructies
- Preheat oven to 300°F.
- In a very large bowl, toss together the popped corn, bacon bits, and cashews.
- Line a sheet pan with foil and brush evenly with oil.
- Stir the sugar, water, and corn syrup together in a saucepan.
- Continue stirring over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and butter is melted.
- Increase the temperature to medium-high and boil, without stirring, until the syrup turns a deep amber color, about 13 minutes.
- While the syrup cooks, you may want to carefully swirl the pan and brush down the sides carefully with a wet pastry brush to prevent any sugar crystals from forming, but do not stir.
- Remove the syrup from the heat and immediately pour in the cream.
- Protect your face and hands, as there will be a lot of steam and the syrup will bubble violently.
- Add the Calvados and stir until well blended.
- Immediately pour the hot caramel mixture over the popcorn mixture and toss with a large spoon or spatula coated with oil until evenly mixed.
- Transfer the mixture to the oiled sheet pan.
- Bake the caramel corn for 20 minutes, tossing every few minutes for even crispness.
- Sprinkle with fleur de sel.
- Cool completely and transfer to an airtight container until ready to serve.
Notes / Tips / Wine Advice:
Over the top bacon lover’s tip:
Pop popcorn in Clarified Bacon Fat on the stovetop.
Pop popcorn in Clarified Bacon Fat on the stovetop.
