Here's how to make delicious kettle corn, a sweet and salty treat perfect for movie nights or snacks:
Ingredients:
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¼ cup vegetable oil (or canola oil)
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½ cup popcorn kernels
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¾ cup granulated sugar
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½ teaspoon salt
Instructions:
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Heat the oil: In a large pot with a lid (preferably a heavy-bottomed pot), heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
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Test the oil (optional): You can test if the oil is hot enough by adding a few popcorn kernels. If they pop within 30 seconds, the oil is ready.
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Add a few kernels: Add a few popcorn kernels (around 3-5) to the hot oil. Once they pop, indicating the oil is hot enough, remove them from the pot.
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Pour the sugar: Carefully pour ¾ cup of granulated sugar into the hot oil. Be cautious, as hot oil and sugar can spatter. Swirl the pot gently to coat the bottom with the sugar.
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Add the popcorn kernels: Once the sugar starts to melt and dissolve slightly (it will become a light amber color), carefully add the popcorn kernels. Be careful again, as adding kernels to hot oil can cause splattering.
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Shake and listen: Give the pot a good shake to distribute the kernels and sugar coating. Cover the pot with the lid, leaving a small gap for steam to escape. Keep shaking the pot occasionally to prevent burning.
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Listen for popping: As the kernels start popping, listen closely. The popping will become slower and more infrequent as the kernels finish popping.
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Remove from heat: Once the popping slows down significantly, with only a few pops between pauses (around 2-3 seconds between pops), remove the pot from the heat immediately.
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Season with salt: Pour the hot kettle corn into a large bowl. Carefully sprinkle the ½ teaspoon of salt over the popcorn and toss to coat evenly.
1**0. Enjoy! Let the kettle corn cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your delicious homemade kettle corn!
Tips:
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A heavy-bottomed pot helps distribute heat evenly and prevents burning.
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Be careful when working with hot oil. Avoid crowding the pot with too many kernels, as this can prevent even popping.
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If you prefer a stronger caramel flavor, you can add a tablespoon of brown sugar along with the granulated sugar.
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For a little extra sweetness, you can drizzle melted butter or maple syrup over the kettle corn after it's cooked.
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You can also add a twist to your kettle corn by experimenting with different spices or flavorings. For example, try adding a pinch of cinnamon, cayenne pepper, or even cocoa powder for a chocolatey twist.
Enjoy making and savoring your homemade kettle corn