MAPLE CARMEL CORN RECIPES

Steps:

• Heat oven to 300 degrees, and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking sheet.
• In a large pot with a tight-fitting lid, heat oil and 3 popcorn kernels over medium-high with lid on top. When kernels pop, add remaining kernels to pot, lower heat to medium-low, and crack the lid open a sliver, facing away from you, to release steam. (Alternatively, you could cover the pot with a mesh deep-frying screen, or an upside-down colander or strainer.) Cook, shaking the pot occasionally, until the popping stops.
• Transfer popcorn to a heatproof bowl, discarding any unpopped kernels. Add nuts to bowl.
• In a medium pot, bring maple syrup, butter and brown sugar to a boil. Cook, stirring constantly, until butter and sugar have melted (the mixture should be foamy). Continue cooking, stirring constantly, until the mixture reaches 240 degrees on an instant-read thermometer. Remove from heat, and stir in salt, vanilla and baking soda. (Mixture may bubble up.)
• Immediately pour hot syrup over popcorn mixture, and use a spatula to mix it well. Scrape popcorn onto prepared baking sheet in one layer. Bake, rotating the pan after 15 minutes, for 25 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when you can remove a piece of the popcorn, and after letting it cool for about a minute, it’s crisp when you bite into it. Taste and sprinkle lightly with more salt if you like. Let cool before serving.

Steps:

• Heat oven to 250°F. Line 2 (15x10x1-inch) pans with cooking parchment paper.
• In large bowl, mix popcorn, bacon, pecans and apples. Set aside.
• In 3-quart heavy saucepan, heat butter, brown sugar and syrup to boiling, stirring constantly. Reduce heat; simmer 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in bourbon, vanilla, salt and baking soda. Pour over popcorn mixture; toss to coat evenly. Spread in pans.
• Bake 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes. Cool at least 1 hour before serving. Store in refrigerator.