Sunday, October 4, 2009

Sticky Addictions

It's October and though it's still not much cooler where I live, it's officially Fall in my book. Flavors of fall are pumpkin, squashes, cinnamon, nutmeg, spices, sweet potatoes, apples, brown sugar and CARAMEL.

Salted sticky gooey buttery caramel corn to be exact! Do I have your attention? I found this recipe on Thibeault's Table and had to make it. If you're not familiar with her blog then go over there. She doesn't fuss around with a lot of talk. She cuts straight to the chase-- her fabulous food. Both sweet and savory (and breakfasts I'd like to be invited over for), her blog is a delight. But don't go over there hungry. Don't say I didn't warn you.

This caramel corn was fantastic and just the perfect treat for a friend and I as we sat in the dark with our feet propped up in front of us as we watched Julie and Julia. If you haven't seen that movie yet, what are you waiting for? Do you need an invitation? If so, then I invite you to go and make a date with yourself or a friend and go watch it.

It was a wonderful movie and Meryl Streep was downright brilliant. Who knew Julia was so funny? It was a fairly long movie but I would have gladly sat through another couple hours without complaint to see it again. It was inspiring and funny and sad and hopeful and entertaining. The relationship between Julia and the love of her life, her husband, is just beautiful and real. I left this movie loving her even more that I already did. I just bought her cookbook from Costco for $25 (originally $40). Who knows what she'll inspire me to make?

The food was incredible looking which is why you shouldn't go hungry. And even if you have eaten take a snack because you'll want it. This caramel corn was perfect. It was homemade and not doused in butter flavored oil and salt. It was sticky and gooey, chewy and addicting. A nice treat. Lori, thank you for going with me to see the movie!

Sticky Salted Caramel Popcornm Fare To Remember via Thibealut's Table
  • large bowl of popcorn (about 2 bags)
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 cup corn syrup (I used half light and dark)
  • 1 14-oz. can of sweetened condensed milk
  • sea salt (I used Kosher salt)

Combine all caramel ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat.

Bring to a boil, stirring to melt and blend all ingredients together. Reduce heat to low and continue a slow boil; stir constantly to avoid the caramel from burning. Caramel is done when it reaches the soft ball candy stage (approximately 10-15 minutes at slow boil).

While still hot, pour caramel over a big bowl of popcorn (2 bags popped corn), mixing well to coat. Sprinkle liberally with the sea salt, again, mixing well for even coverage throughout the batch.

NOTE: I added the salt to the caramel mixture rather than sprinkling it on afterwards.

Also, this make a sticky soft caramel that doesn't not get hard when cooled. I wanted a slightly less sticky version and also to liven up the stale popcorn I popped it in a 250 F degree oven on a greased parchment paper lined sheet pan for 30 minutes.

By the way, over the weekend I got my 200th subscriber to this blog! Thanks so much for reading, commenting and encouraging me along the way. I appreciate each and every one of you so very much.

41 comments:

  1. Yes I do think it is time for some caramel popcorn, oh it looks so good!

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  2. So putting the caramel corn in the oven solved the sticky caramel? If this is the trick, I would be forever grateful!! Congrats on your 200th subscriber, that is impressive!!

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  3. I will try this one for sure this winter!

    Help please! My birthday is Sat and I want a fantastic cake recipe. I adore chocolate & like fluffy icing; I'd like something other than the usual choco cake. Any good suggestions?

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  4. You got a new header! and also new background template! Nice :)

    I love popcorn especially the caramel ones.... can eat and eat non-stop! LOL

    I definitely gonna watch the julie & julia movie :)

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  5. The popcorn looks delicious! I am waiting for Julie and Julia to come to the dollar theatre here! I cannot wait much longer!

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  6. This looks wonderful! What a great fall treat :)

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  7. Congrats on your 200th subscriber! This popcorn looks delicious! I could much on this all day at work!

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  8. yummy, I think this is one of those things I should never make I would eat the whole thing!

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  9. Mmm. This looks like a perfect blend of salty and sweet.

    I haven't gotten out to see the movie yet. I loved the book though!

    (I'm also liking the new header. Mouthwatering photo.)

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  10. Hi Monica, You beat me to it: I went to bed last night and had not sent you a notice of your little awardie that I gave you! Thanks for posting it on your sidebar! Your friendship is a wonderful one indeed. I have never made caramel corn! I used to eat it in a most addictive manner when in college and working in a mall where it was sold. Those were the days when I could just anything in large quantities. Hope you enjoy your new Julia cookbook, I have not purchased that one yet!

    Lastly, I have not made this month's cake yet, but will shortly. Bye for now, Roz

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  11. I gots lots to say...first, I like the new header!

    Second, I'm totally giving this a try. Forget cupcakes (I'm worried about them!) give me sticky chewy caramel corn!

    Third, I haven't seen the movie! :( I've got NO foodie friends here and the kids and Joe have NO interest in seeing it.

    Have a wonderful week!
    ~ingrid

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  12. I like your new look. The carmel corn looks fantastic.
    Mimi

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  13. Holy yummy! That caramel corn looks yummy!! I love caramel so I will have to try this!

    I loved the movie as well!I'm not sure I'm brave enough to buy the cookbook though... Good luck on your cooking adventure! Let us know when you make beef bourguignon or if you ever bone a duck!! Happy cooking!

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  14. just discovered your blog by searching for cracker barrel's chocolate cake recipe, and i know i'll be coming back time and again. love the blog in general, but i must say your photographs of food are absolutely SINFUL! so gorgeous...

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  15. wow this popcorn looks sinfully delicious! can't wait to try sometime!!

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  16. Yum!! It is a great time of year for this delicious treat. I am so glad I found your blog. Stop by when you can

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  17. Yum! That looks so sinfully delicious! I might have to enjoy it with a movie tonight for dinner!!!

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  18. I love caramel corn and this looks so good! It's a perfect Fall treat! Yummy! And thanks for all the feedback on my blog. I appreciate it!!!

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  19. I love caramel corn in the fall. It is the perfect snack. I enjoyed the movie. I want to see it again!

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  20. That caramel corn and that movie sound like the perfect combination!

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  21. mmm this reminds me of those big barrels popcorn you get at christmas time... I always only eat the caramel :D
    -Mini Baker

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  22. Love the blog---is there a recipe for the danishes pictured in your new header?

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  23. OK, the popcorn looks fantastic. Perfect choice for a movie.

    OK, I can not wait to see what goodies you make from her book..

    And, I love how your blog looks!!

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  24. Emily- not yet, but I'll post it soon!

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  25. Oh yum yum yum!! I've gotta try this one, although it might make the kids turn off plain lightly salted popcorn in favour of it, mm mmmm! I've just made your marbled lemon blueberry cake too (with a few slight differences) and it was a hit all round. I LOVE your blog!

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  26. Love the new blog design and the tip about the sticky caramel and the oven. Looks like some yummy popcorn!!

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  27. I love caramel corn, but have never never tried making it at home, you make it look easy! Yum!

    Also, love your new blog design!

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  28. Oh goodness gracious, I haven't made that in ages and have probably lost the recipe. So glad to find your fabulous site. I will make this again!
    Happy Twirls

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  29. Wow it sounds yummy and so much tastier than packet popcorn. I have seen the film too - it was really good and shows you should never give up on your dream :)

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  30. Did you use microwave popcorn?? I want to try this recipe. I actually prefer chewy caramel corn and the recipes I make usually end up too crunchy for my taste.
    ~Tara

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  31. I saw the movie 2 weeks ago and LOVED it! I didn't want it to end! I also bought the cookbook after seeing it and made Julia's famous beef recipe (I can't spell the second word of the recipe)!We'll be eating it tonight. A lot of work and I hope it was worth it!!! Smelled so good while it was in the oven!

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  32. This is such a favorite around Christmas time. but anytime would be a good time for this. It turned out great. Your photos are wonderful too.

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  33. Tara-

    Yes, I used 2 bags of PopSecret Jumbo popcorn with butter.

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  34. I'm gonna have to get this movie and sit with a bowl of this caramel corn and watch it!

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  35. OMG! I am book marking this site!! It's making me hungrry!! LOL!! The caramel corn looks DELICIOUS!! I am going to make it!! One suggestion I have though is to try using mushroom popcorn when you make caramel corn - the mushroom popcorn is sturdier than butterfly popcorn (the kind you get in bags at the grocery)- Mushroom popcorn is the kind that pops into balls... like Cracker Jacks! I found this place called www.justpoppin.com that carries it.
    I'm going to make this for the fundraiser event I'm going to on friday!!! =)

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  36. Oh, Addicting!!! I would gobble this up :D

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  37. She WAS funny! Isn't that great, doesn't it just make you love her more? I bought "my life in france" that the movie is partially based on and it is hilarious. people on the train probably thought I was nuts laughing out loud! also, if you go to the pbs website you can see episodes of the french chef and they are just as funny, and, like the movie, should not be watched while hungry. Her cheese soufflé looks scrumptious!

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  38. I love the movie and i can't wait to do the carmel popcorn.

    Bon Appetit

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  39. You're right! I don't know why but I really like to eat while watching a movie. I haven't seen Julie and Julia but I'll definitely go to the nearest video store and buy one. Now that you posted this recipe, I'll definitely make this before the movie. Thanks for posting!

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Thank you for your supportive comments. I appreciate each and every one of them!