Caramel Corn Clusters

Caramel Corn Clusters Recipe - A Delicious Snack from the USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Caramel Corn Clusters are a delicious and addictive treat that combines the sweet and crunchy goodness of caramel with the salty crunch of peanuts and popcorn. This recipe is perfect for snacking on during movie nights or as a special treat for parties and gatherings.

History

Caramel Corn Clusters have been a popular snack for decades, with variations of the recipe popping up in cookbooks and kitchens all over the world. The combination of caramel, popcorn, and peanuts is a classic one that never fails to satisfy.

Ingredients

2 tbsp vegetable oil
0.33 cup popcorn kernels
1 stick (0.5 cup) unsalted butter
1.5 cups packed light brown sugar
0.5 cup light corn syrup
0.75 tsp salt
0.5 tsp baking soda
1 cup salted peanuts (5 oz (142 g))
special equipment: a candy thermometer

How to prepare

Heat oil with 3 kernels in a 3 qt (2.84 liter) heavy saucepan, covered, over medium heat until 1 or 2 kernels pop.
Remove the lid and quickly add the remaining kernels. Cook, covered, shaking the pan frequently, until the kernels stop popping, about 3 minutes.
Remove the saucepan from heat and uncover.
Line the bottom of a large shallow baking pan with foil.
Lightly oil the foil.
Melt butter in a 6 qt (5.68 liter) heavy pot over medium heat.
Add brown sugar and corn syrup. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring. Then, boil without stirring until the syrup reaches 300°F (149°C) on a thermometer, for 8 to 10 minutes.
Remove the pot from heat.
Using a wooden spoon or a heatproof spatula, stir salt and baking soda into the syrup. Then, quickly stir in peanuts and popcorn to coat.
Immediately spread the mixture in the baking pan as thinly and evenly as possible.
Allow the mixture to cool completely, then break it into bite-size pieces.

Variations

Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the clusters for a sweet and salty flavor combination.
Swap out the peanuts for cashews or almonds for a different flavor profile.
Drizzle melted chocolate over the clusters for an extra decadent treat.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use a candy thermometer to ensure that the caramel reaches the correct temperature. This will help ensure that the clusters have the perfect texture.

- When spreading the mixture in the baking pan, work quickly to ensure that it spreads evenly before it starts to harden.

- Allow the clusters to cool completely before breaking them into pieces to ensure that they hold their shape.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Caramel Corn Clusters as a snack at parties, movie nights, or as a special treat for kids' lunches.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making perfect Caramel Corn Clusters is to cook the caramel to the correct temperature and work quickly to spread the mixture in the baking pan before it hardens.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have peanuts, you can use any other type of nut in this recipe. You can also omit the nuts altogether if you prefer.

Make Ahead Tips

Caramel Corn Clusters can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to a week.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Caramel Corn Clusters in a decorative bowl or package them in individual bags for a fun and portable snack.

Pairing Recommendations

Caramel Corn Clusters pair well with a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store Caramel Corn Clusters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They do not need to be refrigerated. Reheat in the microwave for a few seconds to soften them if they become too hard.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Caramel Corn Clusters contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Caramel Corn Clusters contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Caramel Corn Clusters contains approximately 12 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Caramel Corn Clusters contains approximately 5 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Caramel Corn Clusters are not a significant source of vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

Caramel Corn Clusters contain peanuts and may also contain traces of other nuts. They are not suitable for those with nut allergies.

Summary

Caramel Corn Clusters are a delicious but indulgent treat that should be enjoyed in moderation due to their high sugar and fat content.

Summary

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is one I won't soon forget. It was a warm summer day, and I had decided to host a small gathering of friends and family in our backyard. I wanted to make something special to snack on, and as I was flipping through an old cookbook that my mother had given me, I stumbled upon a handwritten note tucked between the pages.

The note was written in beautiful cursive handwriting, and it simply said "Caramel Corn Clusters." Intrigued, I scanned the ingredients and instructions, feeling a rush of excitement as I realized that this recipe was something truly unique and delicious. I had never heard of caramel corn clusters before, but I knew that I had to give it a try.

I could almost picture the person who had written this recipe, carefully measuring out the ingredients and preparing the sweet, crunchy clusters. I imagined them in a cozy kitchen, surrounded by the warm scent of caramel and the sound of popping corn. I felt a sense of connection to this mysterious cook, as if they were passing down their knowledge and expertise to me through this simple recipe.

I gathered the necessary ingredients and set to work making the caramel corn clusters. The process was surprisingly easy, and before long, the kitchen was filled with the rich aroma of caramel and toasted nuts. As I stirred the bubbling caramel over the stove, I felt a sense of satisfaction and contentment, knowing that I was creating something special to share with my loved ones.

When the clusters were finally ready, I arranged them on a platter and set them out for everyone to enjoy. The reaction was immediate and enthusiastic - my guests couldn't get enough of the sweet, crunchy treats, and soon the platter was empty.

As I watched my friends and family savoring the caramel corn clusters, I felt a sense of pride and joy. I realized that this recipe was not just a delicious snack, but a connection to the past, a link to the generations of cooks who had come before me. It was a reminder of the power of food to bring people together, to create memories and traditions that would last a lifetime.

From that day on, caramel corn clusters became a staple at our gatherings and celebrations. I shared the recipe with anyone who asked, passing on the delicious tradition to friends and family alike. And each time I made a batch of clusters, I felt a sense of gratitude for the unknown cook who had first shared this recipe with me, and for the joy and connection it had brought into my life.

Now, as I sit here in my kitchen, surrounded by the comforting smells of caramel and popcorn, I can't help but feel grateful for all the recipes and traditions that I have collected over the years. Each one is a treasure, a link to the past, a gift from those who came before me. And as I continue to cook and bake and share these recipes with others, I know that I am carrying on a legacy of love and connection that will endure for generations to come.