It’s my caramel corn with a Christmas twist – traditional festive spices and a sprinkle of almonds. It makes for great Christmas candy snacks as well as food gifts that’s easy to make in bulk, economical and lasts for 2 – 3 weeks.
Christmas Popcorn
While everybody likes a good Caramel Popcorn, it really is just flat out sweet, and that’s it (but I still love you, Caramel Popcorn, don’t worry). On the other hand, this caramel popcorn is far beyond just sweet. It’s loaded with warm Christmas spices and is studded with nutty almond for extra crunch. It is insanely, completely and ridiculously addictive!
What you need for Christmas Popcorn
Here’s what you need to make this:
Popcorn kernels – Just plain popping kernelsHoliday spices – I’ve use a mix reminiscent of Gingerbread Men, but you could even just use cinnamon alone and it would still be wonderful!Corn syrup (or glucose) – This is required to ensure the caramel doesn’t crystallise, ie. when instead of turning into liquid, you end up with sugar grains. You can make caramel without it, but it’s a bit temperamental so corn syrup helps makes it a sure thing.
Corn syrup is not sold in Australian grocery stores but that’s not a problem. Just use glucose instead. It’s just a thicker form of corn syrup which works just as well. I get corn syrup online from USA Foods because I make caramel popcorn regularly for bribing gifting! Other substitutions: golden syrup is best for the dry crisp coating. Honey also works but it does add extra flavour.
Baking soda / bi-carb soda – An important ingredient which makes the caramel foam up and lighten a bit so you get a more even, thin coverage on the popcorn surface (rather than thick globs that get stuck in your teeth);Brown sugar – Better than white, for extra caramel flavours; Salt – Just a touch, to balance out all the sweetness; andAlmonds – Because I think of nuts when I think of Christmas candy! Switch it out with literally any other nut you want – or seeds like pepitas, sunflower seeds or anything else that will hold up in the oven.
How to make Christmas Popcorn Candy
1. The Popcorn
You can either air pop the popcorn using a popcorn machine – in which case no oil is required – or cook it on the stove. PRO TIP: While air popped popcorn is fat-free, it is not as crispy as stove popped popcorn!
2.Christmas Caramel for Popcorn
Plonk ➔ Simmer ➔ whisk!
3. Bake to crisp it!
What to do with Christmas Popcorn Candy
This particular type of Caramel Popcorn is new to my stable of recipes so I haven’t used it to its full potential yet! But here’s what I envisage: Of course, it also makes for an excellent secret stash of treats, just for yourself. Shh! I won’t tell if you don’t… 😉 – Nagi x
Watch how to make it
Life of Dozer
I’d be pretty happy if I found a Dozer under MY Christmas Tree…..
