Comments on: spicy caramel popcorn

By: melissa

melissa — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 22:43:24 +0000

I just made about 6 batches of this for co-workers Christmas gifts, and as everything on your site, it always garners rave reviews! I did have trouble with one batch crystalizing and not caramelizing, and I realized I had used baker’s sugar instead of regular. Caron and Julia, perhaps your sugar is too fine? I also want to point out what a ton of people have already mentioned: Pulling the pan off while the caramel looks a shade or two too light is ideal as the caramel darkens as soon as you pull it off the heat and whisk. I tried a ton of different methods to eliminate pan clean-up (using paper grocery bags to coat the popcorn with caramel, doing it in a separate mixing bowl) and found that the easiest method was to just pour the caramel over the popcorn while the popcorn was still in the large stock pot I had used to pop it in. Because the pan was still hot and greasy from popping the popcorn, the caramel spread easier and nothing stuck to the bottom. Also, props to Ali for highlighting the easiest way to clean the small carmel pan. I forgot to add the baking soda but plain boiling water worked just fine. Thanks for the awesome, delicious recipe, Deb! You are a gift from the Gods for making this wonderful site that is full of fool-proof recipes! Can’t wait for your book.

By: Brett

Brett — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 21:37:47 +0000

I love this recipe too! And yes the first time I made it, I added the 3/4 tsp of cayenne against my better judgment and we couldn’t eat any without a glass of milk handy. Now I make it with 1/4 tsp and it’s a nice hint. Super addictive — I love that it’s crunchy instead of pull-out-your-teeth-gooey.

By: LilyB

LilyB — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 20:19:00 +0000

I am a true caramel popcorn addict. Came across this recipe and kind of put it on the shelf so to speak. Finally made first attempt last night. Burnt the caramel of coarse. So as not to let it get the best of me, my second attempt was successful. I put the kitchen timer on for 14 minutes and caramel was exactly how I would have first expected it to be, perfect. Highly addictive.

By: Rave

Rave — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 07:01:46 +0000

Caron, and Julia;

First to Julia; I don’t think it’s the butter, because the first time I made the caramel, it came out great, and I was using salted butter.

Caron; I also used different sugar the second time, and it crystallized on me as well! I switched from pure cane to dominoes, so, maybe it’s that?

By: Marie

Marie — Sat, 20 Aug 2011 18:16:19 +0000

I have made this several times and added chocolate chips. Everyone loved it!

By: Julia

Julia — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 04:03:37 +0000

I’m having the exact same problem as Caron…first TWENTY times (i promised a friend i’d supply her wedding with caramel corn) I made it, I had no problems. and now every batch since then, the sugar has crystallized instead of caramelizing. Help!

I should add that I am using salted butter (and omitting the salt from the recipe)…could this be a reason? Or perhaps I am over-whisking?

By: tami

tami — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 13:32:29 +0000

Hi Deb! First let me say I can spend HOURS on this site just clicking “surprise me!” :)
I gave the above recipe a go last night using brown sugar (in a feeble attempt to make caramel corn “healthy”) and got AMAZING flavor but a somewhat chewy texture. Could this be due to the extra water in the brown sugar? I also live in a ridiculously hot and humid environment–would this affect my results as well?

By: Su

Su — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 18:51:27 +0000

Hi! This was the most awesome gift that I’ve ever received, especially considering it was food, coming from TX to HI! Yes, it made it all the way, and it was truly delicious that years later I am still looking up the recipe. Thank you so much for inspiring my friend to make this for us, and for introducing me to your wonderful site. Aloha!

By: KatieB

KatieB — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 16:15:17 +0000

How did I know you would have an amazing caramel popcorn recipe when I need it most? Thank you!

By: Amy

Amy — Sun, 06 Feb 2011 23:49:27 +0000

I just got done making my first batch & I have to say… WOW. This is sure to be a big hit at the Superbowl party my husband & I are about to attend. I might make more…