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Craving The Fair? Learn How To Make Stovetop Kettle Corn In Your Kitchen

Emily Graham is the editor in chief and head chef of Cookmag Online. With over 15 years of experience in the culinary industry, she's tested hundreds of kitchen appliances both professionally in restaurant kitchens and at home cooking for her family. Emily loves sharing her knowledge and reviews of the...

What To Know

  • Using a heatproof spatula or wooden spoon, spread the kettle corn onto a prepared parchment paper or silicone mat.
  • Whether you’re hosting a party or simply craving a sweet and savory delight, stove top kettle corn is the perfect choice.
  • If the kettle corn is too hard, you can add a little more vegetable oil or butter to the caramel sauce.

Are you craving a delectable snack that combines the irresistible sweetness of caramel with the savory crunch of popcorn? Look no further! In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the delightful journey of how to make stove top kettle corn. With our step-by-step instructions, you’ll be able to create this classic treat in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Gather Your Ingredients

Before embarking on your kettle corn adventure, gather the following ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup popcorn kernels
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup light corn syrup
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda

Prepare Your Equipment

You’ll need the following equipment:

  • Large saucepan with lid
  • Long-handled wooden spoon
  • Heatproof spatula or wooden spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Parchment paper or silicone mat

Step 1: Pop the Popcorn

In the large saucepan over medium heat, add the vegetable oil. Once the oil is shimmering, add the popcorn kernels and cover with the lid. Shake the saucepan occasionally until the popping slows down to 2-3 seconds between pops.

Step 2: Create the Caramel

While the popcorn is popping, prepare the caramel sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and corn syrup over medium heat. Stir constantly until the sugar melts and turns a light amber color.

Step 3: Combine the Popcorn and Caramel

Once the popcorn has finished popping, carefully pour it into the saucepan with the caramel sauce. Stir vigorously using a long-handled wooden spoon until the popcorn is evenly coated.

Step 4: Add the Baking Soda

Immediately add the baking soda to the mixture. This will cause the caramel to foam and bubble, giving the kettle corn its signature airy texture.

Step 5: Spread and Cool

Using a heatproof spatula or wooden spoon, spread the kettle corn onto a prepared parchment paper or silicone mat. Allow it to cool completely before breaking it into pieces.

Step 6: Enjoy Your Kettle Corn

Your delicious stove top kettle corn is now ready to be savored. Serve it in bowls or bags and enjoy the sweet and savory delight.

Tips for Success

  • Use a large saucepan to prevent the popcorn from overflowing.
  • Stir the caramel sauce constantly to prevent burning.
  • Add the baking soda quickly to avoid over-bubbling.
  • Spread the kettle corn thinly to ensure even cooling.
  • Store the kettle corn in an airtight container to maintain its freshness.

Variations

  • Add a pinch of salt to the caramel sauce for a sweet and salty flavor combination.
  • Sprinkle cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice over the kettle corn for a seasonal twist.
  • Add melted chocolate or peanut butter to the caramel sauce for a decadent treat.

Takeaways

Making stove top kettle corn is a rewarding and enjoyable experience that yields a delectable snack. By following our step-by-step instructions and experimenting with different variations, you can elevate this classic treat to a whole new level. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply craving a sweet and savory delight, stove top kettle corn is the perfect choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use other types of sugar besides granulated sugar?
A: Yes, you can use brown sugar or coconut sugar for a slightly different flavor.

Q: How do I prevent the kettle corn from burning?
A: Stir the caramel sauce constantly and keep the heat at a medium level.

Q: What if my kettle corn is too hard?
A: If the kettle corn is too hard, you can add a little more vegetable oil or butter to the caramel sauce.

Q: How long does kettle corn last?
A: Kettle corn will last for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.

Q: Can I make kettle corn in the microwave?
A: Yes, you can make kettle corn in the microwave using a microwave-safe bowl. However, it may not have the same airy texture as stove top kettle corn.

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Emily Graham

Emily Graham is the editor in chief and head chef of Cookmag Online. With over 15 years of experience in the culinary industry, she's tested hundreds of kitchen appliances both professionally in restaurant kitchens and at home cooking for her family. Emily loves sharing her knowledge and reviews of the latest and greatest cooking gadgets and small appliances hitting the market. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking up new recipe creations in her fully equipped dream kitchen. Emily holds a degree from The Culinary Institute of America and writes with the goal of helping home cooks at all levels find the right tools to improve their cooking. Follow along on Instagram @chefemilygraham for more of her kitchen adventures and product recommendations.
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