Sweet and Spicy Caramel Corn
Photography by Aaron McLean.
It’s hard to stop eating this addictive popcorn – sweet, salty and spicy it cries out for a nice cold beer.
INGREDIENTS
½ cup popping corn
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
¼–½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or ground chilli
½ teaspoon each ground cinnamon and ginger
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon sea salt
150 grams butter
¾ cup caster sugar
3 tablespoons golden syrup
METHOD
Heat the oil in a large saucepan over a medium-high heat. Add the corn and put the lid on.
Cook until the corn stops popping, shaking the pan occasionally to prevent it catching on the base. Tip into a large bowl, discarding any unpopped corn. Wipe out the saucepan.
Combine the cayenne or chilli, cinnamon, ginger, baking soda and salt in a bowl and set aside.
Put the butter, sugar and golden syrup in the saucepan over a medium heat, stirring until the sugar is melted. Cook over a low heat for 3–5 minutes, stirring constantly until it turns a couple of shades darker to a golden caramel.
Remove from the heat and stir in the spice mixture. It will bubble up a little.
Tip in the popcorn and use a wooden spoon or heatproof spatula to stir until it’s all well coated in the caramel. Tip onto a large baking tray lined with baking paper and spread out to cool.
Break into pieces and store in an airtight container. Makes about 10 cups
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Issue 115 is packed with inspiration for all kinds of cosy meals – whether you’re dining alone, as two or with a few. We start with our Plating Game interview with Jesse Mulligan which inspired a medley of curries and sides then move on to a round up of easy one-pan chicken dishes, a variety of pasta bakes and meatballs, and using one simple yet delicious tart base we whip up five fab filling options. Sarah’s wintry faves include a moreish chorizo (not) carbonara, lamb and spinach filo pie and we finish off with sweet treats and decadent puds. We love seeing what you create, don’t forget to share your dish dishes with our Facebook community. When it comes to winter cooking, make it SIMPLY YUM!