The original molasses-based recipe was first introduced at the 1893 Chicago World's Fair. It was so popular with the crowds that three years later the iconic American snack food, Cracker Jack, was founded, and by 1908 immortalized in the song Take Me Out to the Ball Game. Cook’s Kettle calls for maple syrup in the caramel coating — substitute molasses if you’re feeling nostalgic. Kid-friendly: No corn syrup. No corn oil.
INGREDIENTS
Popcorn:
1/2 cup kernels (yields approx 12 cups popcorn),such as Amish Country Baby White (non-GMO and Kosher)
3 Tblsp oil, high smokepoint such as avocado, sunflower, or canola
Salt
Caramel Coating with Nuts:
1 /2 cup dark brown sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/4 cup maple syrup (option to substitute honey or molasses)
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 cup unsalted roasted peanuts
DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 250 F. Line sheet pan with parchment paper for non-stick easy clean up.
Popcorn:
Place kettle on burner at high heat.
Add oil and kernels then cover with lid.
Listen for popping to start, crescendo, and then slow to intervals of a few seconds. Turn off heat, listen for popping to stop, then remove the lid and empty contents into large bowl.
Salt to taste, toss, and set aside.
Caramel Coating:
Add butter, sugar, maple syrup (honey if using), and salt to small saucier pot over medium heat. Melt stirring constantly.
Once melted, allow to boil for approx 3 minutes, stirring constantly.
Working quickly, add vanilla and baking soda and keep stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes, until foamed up and lighter in texture. Immediately pour over popcorn in large bowl. Add peanuts.
Fold the mixture together in the bowl until popcorn is coated.
Bake:
Empty contents of bowl onto large sheet pan (the butter will keep it from sticking) and bake at 15 minute intervals for 45 minutes to taste.
Salt to taste and let cool. The popcorn will be crisp after approximately 5-10 minutes of cooling. Note: Leave the popcorn in the sheet pan to cool. Maximizing surface area of popcorn exposed to air quickens cooling time.