Sister Mable'S Caramel Corn
Sister Mable's Caramel Corn offers a rich, sweet, and buttery flavor with a crunchy caramel coating, perfect for snack lovers and festive occasions alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a 2 1/2-quart saucepan, combine light brown sugar, light corn syrup, margarine, cream of tartar, and salt.
- Bring to a boil, stirring over medium-high heat.
- Stirring constantly, boil rapidly about 5 minutes until mixture reaches 260° on candy thermometer.
- Remove from heat.
- Stir in baking soda quickly, but thoroughly.
- Pour at once over popped popcorn in a large roasting pan.
- Stir gently until all kernels are coated.
- Bake at 200° for 1 hour, stirring 2 or 3 times.
- Turn out at once onto wax paper.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, ensure that your popcorn is fully popped and cooled before adding the caramel mixture. If you prefer a richer flavor, you can substitute the margarine with unsalted butter. Additionally, be sure to work quickly when mixing in the baking soda, as the caramel will begin to set. This caramel corn pairs beautifully with Flo'S Chocolate Sauce for a delicious treat.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Sister Mable's Caramel Corn as a delightful snack during movie nights or parties. It also makes a great gift when packaged in decorative bags or jars. For a fun twist, consider pairing it with Frozen Strawberry Fruit Salad for a refreshing contrast or offering it alongside Huckleberry Cake for a sweet dessert spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover caramel corn in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain its crunchiness. It can last for up to two weeks. If you want to enjoy it warm, you can reheat it in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds, but be cautious not to overheat, as it may lose its crispy texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sister Mable'S Caramel Corn contains roughly 175 calories, with 46g carbohydrates and 1g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1493mg per serving (65% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of sugar for this recipe?
While light brown sugar is recommended for its flavor and moisture, you can experiment with dark brown sugar for a richer taste. However, using granulated sugar may alter the final texture and flavor of the caramel.
What type of popcorn should I use?
Opt for plain, unbuttered popcorn kernels for this recipe. Avoid microwave popcorn, as the added flavors and oils can interfere with the caramel coating. Popping your own ensures a fresher taste.
Can I add nuts or other toppings to the caramel corn?
Absolutely! Chopped nuts like pecans or almonds can add a great crunch and flavor. You can also mix in chocolate chips or dried fruit after baking for an extra treat.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).