Candied Popcorn Less Sugar Version Recipes

CANDY POPCORN

Steps:

• Heat oil in a large pan over a medium to high heat. Add the popping corn and cover. Shake the pan occasionally, until the popping stops. Or, the other option is to use the microwave or a popcorn maker.
• Transfer the popped corn to a large bowl, removing any unpopped corn kernels. If you have a seriously large metallic bowl you can later pour in the candy over the top of the popcorn -The bowl must be big enough to be able to toss the popcorn without it spilling over.
• Using a heavy based pan, combine the sugar, water and food colouring. Stir over heat, without boiling, until the sugar has dissolved . Use the largest saucepan/boiler that you can find.
• Please stand-by the stove whilst the candy is boiling, you will need to stir the mixture frequently. Bring to the boil. Boil uncovered for about 12 to 15 minutes. The temperature should be 150°C using a candy thermometer. If you do not have a thermometer drop a teaspoon of the candy mixture into a glass of water- the mixture should crack.
• Remove the candy mixture from the heat. Add the popcorn and stir quickly (and I do mean quickly!) to coat the popcorn with the candy.
• Spread the popcorn on foil lined trays to cool. Separate the popcorn as it is cooling with a wooden spoon or hands (be careful it is not too hot though!).
• Store in an airtight container for 3 - 4 days. The candied popcorn is best eaten after the candy has fully set and dried.

CANDY BAR POPCORN BALLS

Steps:

• Combine the butter, light brown sugar, granulated sugar and corn syrup in a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil and cook to 240 degrees F (hard ball stage), about 11 minutes. Stir in the sweetened condensed milk and salt and boil 1 minute more. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla.
• Pour the caramel over the popcorn in a large bowl and stir to coat evenly. Shape into 12 balls using buttered or greased hands.
• Combine the chocolate chips and coconut oil in a small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high in 30-second intervals until melted. Place the peanuts in a shallow dish. Dip the popcorn balls halfway into the chocolate, then dip in the crushed peanuts (or other toppings). Remove to a parchment paper-lined baking sheet to harden, about 2 hours.

CANDIED POPCORN-LESS SUGAR VERSION

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
• Put freshly popped corn into a large bowl.
• Set aside.
• Spray a large, shallow roasting pan with nonstick spray.
• Combine egg white, corn syrup, vanilla, salt and granular Splenda in a mixing bowl; whisk until blended.
• Stir in peanuts.
• Pour syrup mixture in prepared roasting pan.
• Bake popcorn, uncovered, for 12 minutes, stir, and bake for another 12 minutes.
• Remove pan from oven, spread popcorn on waxed paper to cool.
• Store tightly covered in a cool, dry place.
• Yields 10 cups.