Candy popcorn is one of my favorite childhood memories. My mom made it a rainy day tradition, so growing up in Arizona, it didn't happen all too often. I will always remember the taste of a candy coated wooden spoon and the crunch of the half popped, candy coated kernels.
So I've had some family members nagging me for the recipe, so here it is! Sorry it took so long :)
Candy Popcorn
Ingredients:
2 cups of popcorn kernels popped in an air popper
2 cups sugar
1/4 cup water
2 tbsp butter
1 tsp vanilla (I always add more, but here's a good start)
food coloring
Step 1: Pop the popcorn and cool in a large bowl. (Traditionally we used metal. Perhaps because it will help with Step 5.)
Step 2: Combine sugar, water, butter, and vanilla and bring to a boil.
Step 3: Continue boiling the mixture till you develop a string dripping from your stirring utensil. (Tradition states it must be a wooden spoon)
Step 4: Add food coloring to your preference.
Step 5: Pour the mixture over the popcorn and stir like crazy. The best way seems to be plunging down at the furthest edge and digging towards yourself as you turn the bowl with each plunge. You'll have to stir for a couple of minutes before the mixture cools and dries. If it doesn't dry, you didn't boil it for long enough.
Step 6: Put on an awesome kids movie and serve up a delicious treat!
What's your favorite treat from your childhood memories? I'd love to hear it and get more ideas for my kids. Sugar isn't always going to cut it :)
