Caramel Coated Popcorn and Peanuts

What do you think of when you hear caramel coated popcorn and peanuts? Cracker Jacks, of course! While we don't know their exact recipe, we had fun creating DIY Cracker Jacks recipe to enjoy at home.

We know the iconic snack includes caramel coated popcorn with a molasses flavor (molasses is listed as an ingredient on their package) and salted, roasted peanuts. Of course it also includes a prize but we'll let you add one on your own. We're fine with the delicious treat being the prize.

The Cracker Jack slogan used to be "the more you eat the more you want" and we can absolutely say that's true. Although we kind of feel that way about all of our popcorn creations. As far as we know the original recipe was created by a Chicago merchant in the 1800's who was selling sugar coated popcorn.

But which merchant exactly is apparently the subject of some heated debate. In 1907, the song Take Me Out to the Ball Game was released and included the line "buy me some peanuts and Cracker Jack" which is how the snack became associated with baseball. Most of our baseball watching is on TV from the comfort of our sofa so we're happy to make our own recipe for this snack and enjoy it at home.

We start with our mushroom kernels which pop up round and fat. Then we make a sugar syrup with molasses. You can roast your own peanuts or just buy a jar of good, roasted and salted ones. Great in this recipe and just for snacking. After everything is combined it gets a slow bake in a low oven to seal the sugar coating to the popcorn and peanuts. The final touch is our own spin which is to sprinkle with our salted caramel popcorn seasoning. It gives you that salty finish but with the toasty flavor of salted caramel. Better than the original? Make it and tell us if you think so.

Caramel Coated Popcorn and Peanuts

Servings

8

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time

50 minutes

Recipe for a sweet, salty and crunchy snack of molasses and caramel coated popcorn and peanuts, topped with salted caramel seasoning.

Ingredients

• 3 Tablespoons canola oil

• ⅓ Cup Dell Cove® Mushroom kernels

• ¼ Teaspoon salt

• 4 Tablespoons butter

• ½ Cup light brown sugar

• ¼ Cup light corn syrup

• 1 Tablespoon molasses

• ¼ Teaspoon baking soda

• Dell Cove® Salted Caramel seasoning

Directions

1. To make the popcorn, add the oil and 2 to 3 of the kernels to a large pot with a lid. Heat on high until the kernels pop. Add the remaining kernels and the salt. Cover, continue cooking on high, shaking the pot often, until the popping stops. Remove the popcorn to a large bowl.

2. Pre-heat the oven to 250 degrees F.

3. Combine the popped popcorn and peanuts in a large bowl.

4. Add the butter, brown sugar, corn syrup and molasses to a pot over medium low heat. Let the mixture cook, stirring often, for about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the baking soda.

5. Pour the sugar mixture over the popcorn and peanuts, stirring to combine. Spread out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper (you may need to use two pans) and bake for about 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes. Sprinkle generously with the salted caramel seasoning and serve.