Heirloom Caramel Popcorn Recipe
Celebrate National Popcorn Day
Did you know January 19th is National Popcorn Day? I had no idea there was such a day, but I guess if there’s a Chocolate Cake Day, and a Hot Dog Day then it is completely appropriate that there is a National Popcorn Day.
In honor of this special day I would love to share with you our favorite popcorn recipe. Every Sunday of my childhood I would walk in the back door of my Grandma’s farm house kitchen and smell popcorn popping in the air popper, and the sweet smell of caramel on the stove. Caramel popcorn was my Grandma’s love language, and she made it every Sunday, and would serve it in the huge silver bowl. We would pass it around and visit in Grandpas TV room.
To me caramel popcorn smells like childhood, love, and memories. She even tried to mail me a batch when I was living in South America! Which is why I am excited to share it with you. It isn’t top secret, in fact Grandma would be so tickled that so many people are also gathering around large popcorn bowls after this.
Many years ago I asked my sweet Grandma to write down her recipe, I love that I have my favorite memories of her captured in her loopy handwriting. It’s kinda tricky to read, and she adds things in as she thinks of them. But to make it easy for you, I’ve translated it below:
Ingredients for Caramel Popcorn:
- 8 Cups air popped popcorn
- 2 Cups Sugar
- 1 Cup Heavy Cream
- 1 Cup Dark Karo Syrup
- 1/3 tsp baking soda
- 1/3 tsp salt
- 3 large Tablespoons Butter
Instructions for Caramel Popcorn:
In a medium sauce pan whisk 2 Cups sugar, 1 Cup Cream, 1 Cup Dark Karo Syrup. Gently heat on medium heat until this mixture reaches a soft ball stage. (This is a candy making method. If you don’t know what this is follow this link.
When you’ve reached the small ball stage remove from heat and stir in the baking soda and salt.
Pour the caramel mixture over the bowl of popped popcorn and stir to evenly distribute.
Good luck! And Enjoy!