Photography by Jennifer Olson
Making your own popcorn is easy, healthy, and much tastier than most microwave versions. To make 5–6 cups for this recipe, combine 1 tablespoon vegetable or olive oil and 1/3 cup kernels in a heavy-bottomed pot over high heat; cover and shake over heat until popping stops. This party-perfect mix, courtesy of Smith Fork Ranch, makes a fun gift for kids, too.
Ingredients
- 5-6 cups popped popcorn
- 1 cup whole almonds, toasted
- 1 cup dried cherries or other dried fruit
- 3/4 teaspoon ancho or other chile powder or sweet-hot paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 cup natural cane sugar
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions
- Place popcorn, almonds, and dried fruit in large stainless-steel bowl. Combine spices in a small bowl and place next to stovetop.
- Combine sugar and water in a saucepan. Cook over medium-high heat until sugar starts to turn a deep-brown color, about 25 minutes. Caution: Liquid is extremely hot!
- Quickly stir in spices and then pour caramel over popcorn, stirring quickly but carefully to combine. Once cooled, place in decorative bags and tie with ribbon.
Notes
PER SERVING (1 cup): 281 cal, 9g fat (6g mono, 2g poly, 1g sat), 0mg chol, 5g protein, 36g carb, 3g fiber, 76mg sodium
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