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.