Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Caramel Corn Two Ways





When I was in Chicago for the holidays, one of the things I made in a marathon cookie baking session with my sister-in-law and nieces was Peabody's Caramel-Apple Caramel Corn. If you're not familiar with Peabody, she's a sweet-treats genius and has a blog full of amazing recipes. The caramel corn in Chicago turned out well, but I wasn't really fond of the Kraft caramel candies. I loved the apples though!

Back home, using Dave's new popcorn maker, I decided to try making the apple caramel corn again, but this time with a few minor changes. I left out the Kraft caramels completely and instead made extra of the homemade caramel. I also added lots more apples, and a good pinch of salt. Yum--totally delicious.

My good buddy Jill, (who I love cooking with), was kind enough to share her Peanut Butter Caramel Corn recipe with me, and so being in a caramel corn kinda' mood, I made that as well. I really loved that this version has the peanut butter and peanuts since I'm a huge nut lover. It's also not as sweet as the apple version. Dave loved both types of caramel corn and though I asked him to pick a favorite he just kept mumbling through a mouth full of popcorn and sticky caramel that they were both "awesome--much better than the stuff at the store".

So to recap--the apple caramel corn is the sweeter of the two, and I think it's the addition of the apples that makes it really special. Jill's peanut butter caramel corn is great because it has more of a salty-sweet flavor, and because it's chock full of nuts. Both are really fantastic!

9 comments:

  1. this sounds...and looks...amazing!!!!! I need to put this on my list to try soon---apples! yum yum yum!

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  2. I love the idea of the dried apples in caramel corn!

    I'm so glad that you and Dave both liked the peanut butter caramel corn. Thanks for popping and baking with me! I'm looking forward to our next collaboration!

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  3. Popcorn is such fun. This looks like a sweet treat. You and Jill rock!

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  4. Yes, I guess it was a marathon baking session that day. LOL. I never thought of it like that. It was a lot of fun and we are glad you were a part of it this year.

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  5. I could love either of these but I totally agree with you...when I see a recipe for Kraft caramels, I'm not tempted.

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  6. Yum this looks so good .Im in love with that Poppycock stuff! I think the Peanut butter sounds delish!!

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  7. I can't stand Kraft caramels either - but peanut butter popcorn? That's all I had to hear - I'm on my way to steal the recipe.

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  8. Hi Michele!

    I just wanted to stop by, say hello, and see how you're doing. I also wanted to wish you a very happy New Year filled with much love and good health (along with lots of yummy treats)!

    Your caramel corns look SO delicious- but I can't decide which I'd like to try first! I'm glad SMS is back in action, and I can’t wait to enjoy another fun, fabulous year of baking and blogging together in 2010! Have a great weekend and I really hope to talk to you soon!

    <3,
    Joy

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  9. Thanks for all of your lovely comments!!

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