food

How to Lattice Pie Crust

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Learn how to create a stunning lattice pie crust with this helpful information and easy video tutorial. Latticing pie dough is much easier than it looks! \   Designing a pie crust is a form of art. There are so many different pie crust arrangements, but the classic lattice weaving is my favorite. The simple, … Read more

Egg Roll in a Bowl Ramen

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Egg roll in a bowl ramen is an irresistible skillet of deconstructed egg rolls tossed with ramen noodles and I’m telling you now that you are going to love it. I’ve been holding out on you, my friends. I first made this over a month ago and I’ve made it four more times since then. … Read more

Dr Pepper Ice Cream

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Dr Pepper ice cream blends the nostalgia of a soda fountain drink with the indulgence of freshly churned ice cream. The creamy texture balances perfectly with the unique soda taste, creating a refreshing frozen treat.   Dr Pepper Float Ice Cream When I heard about Blue Bell’s Dr Pepper Float Ice Cream, I immediately filed … Read more

Spicy Cajun potatoes

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Spicy Cajun potatoes are a great side dish for grilled and roasted meats. They are also delicious chopped up with a soft egg on top or tossed into egg burritos with a bit of sausage or bacon.   Cajun Potatoes My family can not get enough of the Cajun flavors we’ve grown to love. Whether … Read more

Homemade Caramel Corn

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Skip the line at the candy shop and whip up your own batch of irresistibly sweet and crunchy caramel corn right in your kitchen. This old-fashioned treat is surprisingly simple to make—no fancy gadgets or candy thermometers required.

 

When we visit my parents in Sarasota, our evenings often include a stop at Kilwin’s, a beloved ice cream and candy shop on Lido Key. The scent of freshly made waffle cones and the sight of candy-makers mixing fudge right in the front window is part of its charm, and it’s hard to pass by without stopping in. The best part? Sampling different sweets while waiting in line. We all love the sweet, crunchy caramel corn, so I thought it would be fun to recreate it at home.

Turns out, homemade caramel corn is surprisingly easy to make and doesn’t require any fancy equipment, not even a candy thermometer. But be warned: it’s habit-forming. Seriously, don’t make this stuff unless you have the willpower of a saint or many friends to share it with!

  • Vegetable Oil: Used to pop the popcorn kernels. It has a high smoke point, making it ideal for high-heat cooking without imparting much flavor.
  • Popcorn Kernels: It’s easy to make homemade popcorn on the stovetop, but if you’d like to use plain microwave popcorn or air-popped popcorn, note that 2/3 cup kernels makes about 16 cups popcorn.
  • Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the caramel sauce.
  • Light Brown Sugar: Provides sweetness and a slight molasses flavor to the caramel.
  • Light Corn Syrup: The corn syrup helps to prevent the caramel sauce from crystallizing, which results in a smooth texture (sugar crystals make caramel grainy).
  • Maple Syrup: Adds a unique, rich flavor to the caramel different from traditional recipes. It gives a subtle maple undertone that pairs well with the buttery caramel.
  • Salt: Enhances the flavors of the caramel and popcorn, and balances the sweetness.
  • Baking Soda: Reacts with the acidic components in the caramel to create tiny air bubbles, making the caramel lighter and more aerated so it’s not rock-hard when you bite into it. This reaction also helps ensure the caramel spreads more easily over the popcorn.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Begin by making the popcorn. Heat the vegetable oil in a very large pot over medium-high heat. Add the popcorn kernels, then cover with a tight-fitting lid.