This is what we were up to this afternoon. Not only was it a cracking good time, but a lip-smacking one too. Ginger filled bags with our homemade carmel-corn for her party friends that will come by later. I've already eaten way too much of this. It's just too good. The recipe is as old as the hills and one that's still my favorite:
Prepare ahead of time at least 6 quarts of popped corn, that's about 1-1/4 cups uncooked kernels. Line up several ungreased, sheet-cake pans on the counter and fill them with the popped corn, just up to the sides. Use additional pans or cookie sheets if you have extra popcorn. Reserve 1 teaspoon baking soda in a small dish. Combine the following ingredients in a large heavy stock-pot or saucepan:
Sister Mabel's Carmel Corn
- 2 cups packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 2 sticks of butter
- 1 teas. salt
- 1/4 teas. Cream of Tartar
- 1 cup roasted peanuts or sliced almonds
- gourmet coarse sea salt
Bring ingredients to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly with a long-handled wooden spoon, until it reaches 260 degrees on a candy thermometer or hardball stage. (I always just guess here, cooking about 15-20 minutes until bubbly, but not burnt.) Remove from heat and stir in the baking soda. Mixture will "puff up" rapidly; keep stirring quickly and thoroughly for about 3 or 4 minutes. Be very careful when handling this hot sugar mixture, this is probably not a good job for children helpers. Use a soup ladle to transfer the mixture to the popped corn; pouring it evenly in rows, rather than puddles. Work quickly as the caramelized sugar will begin to stiffen up in the pot within 5 minutes. Add the nuts. Using a plastic spatula, lightly fold the mixture and nuts into the popcorn. Don't worry if it isn't all coated, some of it will melt down into the bottom of the pan and become soft enough to work with again as it cooks in the oven (200 degrees for one hour). Fold 2-3 times during this time. Remove from oven, and fold/mix one more time; sprinkle with the coarse salt. Let cool about 5 minutes before handling.
Your caramel corn looks really delicious. Thanks for the recipe. Will it work with air-popped popcorn, I wonder? Happy Hauntings!
Posted by: Mary Ellen | October 30, 2007 at 06:56 PM
Happy Halloween! And Oh my goodness! This looks so yummy! Around this time every year we make caramel sauce for gifts (I'll have to post that recipe), but I never even thought of putting it on popcorn! I'm going to now though. Thanks! And I do love how busy-ness takes care of things or at least helps comfort. I'm so sorry. Take care. We'll see you next week.
Posted by: gena | October 30, 2007 at 10:35 PM
I am so sorry for your loss... saying a little prayer for the times between busy...
Posted by: wilsonian | October 31, 2007 at 04:43 AM
My heartfelt condolences, Vicki! So very sorry for your loss...My you & your family in comfort in peace in the love that surrounds you. Thank you for the recipe...May there be some fun for you all this Halloweenin spite of all ((HUGS))
Posted by: Tracy | October 31, 2007 at 05:43 AM
Oh Vicki, strenght to you and the family during this difficult time.
Thanks for sharing your Halloween day with us!
Posted by: Suzanne | October 31, 2007 at 07:05 AM
I am so sorry to hear of your family's loss. It is never easy and we are never prepared for such pain.
Take care.
Posted by: ellen kelley | October 31, 2007 at 07:31 AM
I'm so sorry for your family's loss. How terrible. I'm glad you're keeping busy and doing happy things.
Posted by: happy zombie | October 31, 2007 at 08:51 AM
Hi Vicky,
I was saddened to read of your family's loss. My sympathy is with you--my father was recently diagnosed with terminal cancer and I've often turned to your blog to help lighten my days. May you be blessed in comfort and solace three fold for all that you have given to us out here in cyberville.
Posted by: Tara | October 31, 2007 at 10:20 AM
You are such a kind soul...to think of the parent escorts...it never occured to me. So sorry for your recent loss.The popcorn recipe is right up our ally and we will be trying it out. With many hugs, Susan
Posted by: susan at black eyed susans kitchen | October 31, 2007 at 10:20 AM
My heartfelt condolences to you all, Vicki.
I was just thinking the other day, that this is a time of year that probably brings back a lot of memories for your family.
The little things have a way of getting us through....those things, and our love for one another.
Mine is there with you.
Take care.
xoxo
Lena
Posted by: Mrs.Staggs | October 31, 2007 at 10:33 AM
What a generous soul you have, spreading cheer despite your family's loss. I know its a tough thing to weather. Sending hugs.
Posted by: jenny b harris | October 31, 2007 at 11:27 AM
I am so sorry about the sad news--I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
Your Halloween celebration preparations are wonderful.
Posted by: June | October 31, 2007 at 12:37 PM
I cannot expect you to actually give me an address, but where do you live?! lol
You take very good care of your trick-or-treaters. God bless you, and Happy Halloween!
Posted by: Natalie | October 31, 2007 at 04:03 PM
I'm surprised your able to give out a home made candy to your trick or treaters. Around these parts if its not sealed in manufacturer packaging its frowned upon. So sad I know. Your popcorn looks lovely, and I'll have to try it for my family very soon.
Here's wishing your Halloween is a great one!
Cyndall V.
P.S. Just stumbled into your blog this afternoon btw, and I'm enjoying it!
Posted by: Cyndall | October 31, 2007 at 04:35 PM
Vicki - My prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. Thanks for the recipe - it will be a fun one to try.
Posted by: Anne Haun | October 31, 2007 at 05:11 PM
Thoughts and prayers to you and your family at this time of loss.
Posted by: Patti | October 31, 2007 at 05:40 PM
I'm so sorry to hear the news of your family's loss. May you be blessed and comforted.
Posted by: Baleboosteh | November 01, 2007 at 09:17 AM
Vicki, you are so sweet to take the time to share this. I'm so sorry for your family's loss. Sending best wishes to all of you.
Posted by: Bettsi | November 01, 2007 at 10:43 AM
My heartfelt condolences Vicki.
Posted by: hoganfe | November 01, 2007 at 04:47 PM
Sending you and your family warm thoughts and prayers.
Posted by: Alice | November 01, 2007 at 09:06 PM
What a yummy post, and I'm glad to have found your gorgeous blog too!
Posted by: Gabreial | November 02, 2007 at 09:55 AM
My condolences to you and your family.
Posted by: sabine | November 02, 2007 at 10:28 AM
My family sounds like yours. Tragedy evokes cooking. I hope your family's memories will comfort you at this time.
Posted by: Betty @ She's Sew Pretty | November 03, 2007 at 09:58 AM
How sad, my thoughts and prayers are with you guys. Thank you for the recipe, my kids and I love carmel corn. It's the perfect snack this time of year too. I can't wait to try Sister Mabel's version. The old recipes always seem to be the best!
Posted by: Glenda | November 03, 2007 at 10:48 AM
So sorry to hear about this. I'm sending soul-healing energy your way. Take care and come back to blogland soon. You are missed!
Posted by: Stephanie | November 03, 2007 at 02:07 PM
CAN NOT WAIT!!!! to try this recipe! Hope you had a 'Spook-tacular' Halloween!
Posted by: Laura W. | November 03, 2007 at 06:34 PM
Just sending a hug!
Posted by: mrspilkington | November 04, 2007 at 06:48 PM
I am so sorry about your family's loss. Thanks for sharing the yummy recipe though, and what a great way to keep both mind and hands busy!
Posted by: Angela | November 04, 2007 at 08:28 PM
My sympathy to you and your family. May you all be comforted knowing that friends are joined in prayer for you, in good times and sad times.
Posted by: Meg | November 05, 2007 at 06:08 PM