SWEET & SPICY POPCORN CRUNCH OR BALLS

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Sweet & Spicy Popcorn Crunch or Balls image

I actually combined two recipes I had seen and wanted to try. This is a joint effort of a Martha Stewart Recipe and a Food Network Recipe - that I mixed together. It turned out VERY good!

Provided by stephanierndos

Categories     Lunch/Snacks

Time 40m

Yield 6-8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 (3 1/2 ounce) bags natural microwave popcorn (minus any unpopped kernels)
1 cup salted peanuts or 1 cup pecan halves (optional)
1/2 cup salted butter
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup light corn syrup
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, cut into pieces, plus more for forming (when making popcorn balls)
1/8 teaspoon fine salt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 250°F Line 2 baking sheets with nonstick baking mats; set aside.
  • Pop popcorn according to package directions, get rid of unpopped kernels; set aside.
  • Make caramel: Combine butter, sugar, and corn syrup in a medium pot over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally until sugar has dissolved. Increase heat to medium-high, and cook, without stirring, until golden brown, about 5 minutes, swirling pot occasionally.
  • Remove mixture from heat and quickly stir in salt, vanilla, cinnamon & cayenne with a heatproof spatula or spoon. Immediately pour over popcorn mixture and stir to incorporate. Divide popcorn mixture evenly between baking sheets. Transfer to oven and bake, about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Let cool on sheet pans before breaking apart into clusters. Store popcorn in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
  • *Note: If you opt for the 'pepitas' the pumpkin seeds instead of nuts (use one or the other not both) ~ you will need to toast the pumpkin seeds in a large skillet over medium-high heat, until browned and popping, tossing and stirring occasionally, about 4 minutes. (Do this in batches, if needed.) Then, add to the popcorn.
  • *If making popcorn balls, use following directions: When the popcorn is cool enough to handle, coat your hands with some butter and shape into 4-inch balls. Wrap in waxed paper and tie with a string, if desired. Serve or store covered at room temperature for up to a week.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 386.9, Fat 18.8, SaturatedFat 11.2, Cholesterol 45.8, Sodium 169.2, Carbohydrate 53.5, Fiber 4.9, Sugar 20.8, Protein 4.5

Abjatoi Abjatoi
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I love the combination of sweet and spicy. It's the perfect balance.


Nishad Jahan
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These are so easy to make, even my kids can help.


JAH STICK
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I've never had popcorn crunch before, but I'm so glad I tried this recipe. It's delicious!


Juhena Begum
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I love that these are made with popcorn. It makes them a healthier snack option.


Muhammad Ubaidullah
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These are so addictive! I can't stop eating them.


Shyrooz Raza
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I've made these several times now and they are always a hit with my friends and family.


Iqra Waqas
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These are the perfect snack for a party or a get-together.


Bimlesh Mahhato
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I love the combination of sweet and spicy. It's the perfect balance.


Dabu Arbaxx
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These are so easy to make, even my kids can help.


My BACKLOG
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I've never had popcorn crunch before, but I'm so glad I tried this recipe. It's delicious!


CoolVideoMakerGuy LMAO
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I love that these are made with popcorn. It makes them a healthier snack option.


Mpadwa Martin
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These are the perfect snack for a movie night or a party.


Genje Yonjan
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I made these for a party and they were a huge success. Everyone loved them!


Jordan Gave
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These are so addictive! I can't stop eating them. The combination of sweet and spicy is perfect.


Phofolo Mokgetsi
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I've made these several times now and they are always a hit! They are the perfect sweet and spicy snack.


R0t3n Pebbles
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These were so easy to make and they taste amazing! I used white chocolate chips and added some chopped nuts. The results were perfect!