Caramel Almond Popcorn

Dreamer in Ontario's Note:

This is a great gift that will be enjoyed by the whole family. This recipe was found in Canadian Living's Gifts from Your Kitchen.

• Total Time: 20 mins
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 10 mins

Ingredients:

Yield: 12 cups

• 10 cups warm freshly popped popcorn
• 2 cups whole unblanched almonds
• 1 ¼ cups packed brown sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter
• ¼ cup light corn syrup
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda

Directions:

1. Mix together warm popcorn and almonds.
2. Spread on a large, well greased baking sheet.
3. In a saucepan over medium-low heat, whisk together the sugar, butter and corn syrup until the sugar dissolves.
4. Increase heat to high and boil without stirring until candy thermometer registers hard-ball stage of 255F (124C)or until 1/2 tsp syrup dropped into very cold water forms a rigid ball that is still a little pliable (about 4 minutes).
5. Remove from heat.
6. Add in the vanilla and baking soda and stir until well combined.
7. Slowly pour over popcorn/almond mixture while stirring gently to coat.
8. Let cool.

Reviews

[kiwidutch]

At first I thought that these were rather too sweet, and that the sugar was overpowering but then next day I had a sweet craving and so went back to these and they were just right. Ok, not a snack for everyday as the sugar is a LOT but as a special treat once in a while this hits the spot. I didn't get mine mixed quite as well as I hoped at first becuase visitors arrived 40 minutes early and I was still stirring at the stove when they arrived. The best bits are the bits where the caramel coats well. I would add more nuts too. Please see my Rating System: 3 stars for a great recipe if you need a very sweet "fix" ...if like us you are generally used to less sweet goodies then you might well find this too sweet ( DH didn't like it). Easy to make and just remember to mix quicker than I managed. Thanks!