Foodie Friday: Maple Popcorn
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While at the Shaker Woods Festival, I discovered a new fall treat that I am obsessed with: maple-flavored popcorn. Usually, by now, I am well into pumpkin spice mode. We have our fall scents created and curing, and everything feels as if it were touched with a bit of autumn magic. The evenings are beginning to lengthen, the crickets are chirping, the fireflies are moving a little more slowly, and one can feel the cusp of fall right around the corner.
This year, I am not in pumpkin spice mode. I am simply not feeling all things pumpkin just yet. I will get there, but for now it's all apples, maple, and peanut butter. With the warm, rich, sweet scent of maple kettle corn surrounding me in the woods, I have become obsessed with maple-flavored popcorn. Although it's not kettle corn, it is sweet, salty, slightly fall-themed, and very yummy. I found the recipe on the Celebration Generation website and had to come home and try it.
I was not disappointed. It was crunchy, sweet, slightly salty, and addictive. It is also very easy to make. I did not add the bacon, but I did add pecans, and it was delightful. So, if you are not quite ready for pumpkin spice, I highly recommend maple popcorn. It's just the right amount of fall for this time of year.
- 18 cups popped popcorn
- ½ cup Butter
- 1 ⅓ cups maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- ½ teaspoon Baking soda
- Nuts (optional): Walnuts, peanuts, and pecans work best, IMHO
Instructions
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Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper. Set aside.
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Measure the popped popcorn in a large metal pot. Set aside.
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In a large saucepan, combine butter, maple syrup, and salt, whisking until well combined. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly. Once boiling, allow to boil for 7 minutes, stirring frequently, then remove from heat.
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Add baking soda; stir well to combine - caramel will foam up a little.
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Pour caramel over popcorn, CAREFULLY stir to coat evenly – Hot caramel is nasty to get burned with!
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If you're adding bacon or nuts, do so now.
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Divide the maple caramel corn between the two cookie sheets, spreading it evenly. Break up large chunks of popcorn, and allow it to cool fully.
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Once the maple caramel corn is fully cooled, break it into smaller pieces.
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Serve immediately, or transfer to airtight containers for storage.
So, dear reader, if you are ready for those cozy fall vibes but not yet ready to fully embrace all things pumpkin spice, I gently suggest maple glazed popcorn. It's a great snack for watching a football game, porch sitting and watching the fireflies, or packing as a sweet treat in a school lunch.
On this lovely August Friday, stay safe, be smart, enjoy simple, delicious food, come see us in the woods for one last hoorah, and keep washing your hands.