Kettle Corn

It's summertime! To escape the heat, try curling up on the couch in the AC and catching a movie. And as with any worthwhile event, there has to be snacks! Here is a yummy compliment to any flick no matter who you are. Mmmmmm...Kettle Corn.

Ingredients:

½ cup popcorn kernels

5 tablespoons vegetable oil

2/3 cup sugar

2 tbs water

¾ tsp salt

Serves 5

Kettle corn is a such a delicious treat, that its hard to believe how easy it is to make. Yes, it takes about 4 times as long as popping corn in the microwave, but really, it's worth it. Don't most good foods take a little bit of extra time? So, if you want to treat your friends and family to a gourmet movie night that is easy on the wallet, and pleasurable to the palate...read on. This recipe is yours for the taking.

To start add three tablespoons of oil to a large cooking pot, and let heat on medium for about 3 minutes, or until hot. I used an 8 quart pot, which may have been slightly too big, but its better to error on the side of caution. You don't want your popcorn exploding out of the pot do you? Add in the popcorn, and gently shake around the pan so that the kernels are covered in oil, and are in a single layer on the bottom of the pot.

Cover quickly with a lid, and once the kernels begin to pop, shake the pan around every few seconds to keep them from burning. This reminds me of jiffy pop. What a fun memory! Once the popping slows, remove from the heat and dump the popcorn into a bowl. This should only take a minute or two. Next , in a small saucepan, combine sugar, water, and the remaining two tablespoons of oil. Be sure to not ad water directly to hot oil. You will get burned! Whisk this mixture over medium heat for 4-5 minutes, or until all of the sugar is dissolved, and the mixture is thick and bubbly.

Add in ¼ tsp of the salt, and stir well. You will use the remaining salt to sprinkle over the popcorn later. If you have any lumps in your coating, you can always pour the mixture through a strainer. Now pour the sauce over the popcorn, and quickly mix well with a large spoon.

Next, prepare a baking sheet by covering it in tin foil, and greasing it with a teaspoon of oil. Spread the popcorn out across the baking sheet, and sprinkle with the remaining salt. Put the baking sheet into a 250 degree oven for 10 minutes, or until the popcorn is no longer sticky.

Your done! Pair with your favorite movie, and enjoy.