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Recipe: Maple Pecan Caramel Corn

January 2, 2020 at 6:17AM

For a caramel corn with a candy-like crunch, use a bit of baking soda. Maple syrup and baking soda make for the lightest, crispiest caramelized popcorn. (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Maple Pecan Caramel Corn

Makes about 12 cups.

Note: To toast pecans, spread them in one layer on a baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees until they darken slightly at the edges and look golden inside if you break one in half, 8 to 13 minutes. Stir the nuts once or twice as they bake, for even cooking. From Melissa Clark of the New York Times.

• 3 tbsp. neutral oil, such as grapeseed or sunflower

• 1/3 c. popcorn kernels

• 1 c. toasted pecans (see Note)

• 1/2 c. maple syrup

• 6 tbsp. (3/4 stick) unsalted butter

• 1/3 c. light brown sugar

• 1/4 tsp. fine sea salt, plus more to taste

• 1/4 tsp. vanilla extract

• 1/8 tsp. baking soda

Directions

Preheat oven to 300 degrees, and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large pot with a tight-fitting lid, heat oil and 3 popcorn kernels over medium-high with lid on top. When kernels pop, add remaining kernels to pot, lower heat to medium-low, and crack the lid open a sliver, facing away from you, to release steam. (Alternatively, you could cover the pot with a mesh deep-frying screen, or an upside-down colander or strainer.) Cook, shaking the pot occasionally, until the popping stops.

Transfer popcorn to a heatproof bowl, discarding any unpopped kernels. Add nuts to bowl.

In a medium pot over medium heat, bring maple syrup, butter and brown sugar to a boil. Cook, stirring constantly, until butter and sugar have melted (the mixture should be foamy). Continue cooking, stirring constantly, until the mixture reaches 240 degrees on an instant-read thermometer. Remove from heat, and stir in salt, vanilla extract and baking soda. (Mixture may bubble up.)

Immediately pour hot syrup over popcorn mixture, and use a spatula to mix it well. Scrape popcorn onto prepared baking sheet in one layer. Bake, rotating the pan after 15 minutes, for 25 to 35 minutes. You'll know it's done when you can remove a piece of the popcorn, and after letting it cool for about a minute, it's crisp when you bite into it. Taste and sprinkle lightly with more salt if you like. Let cool before serving.