Snacks and Treats

Gourmet Caramel Nut Popcorn

Gourmet caramel nut popcorn is glazed with brown sugar, butter and orange zest, then baked with cashews, macadamias and almonds until dry.

Gourmet Caramel Nut Popcorn

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Popcorn with cashews, macadamias and almonds, glazed with orange-scented brown sugar caramel and baked until dry. Break into clumps for snacking or gifts.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time1 hour 5 minutes
Total Time1 hour 20 minutes
CourseSnack
CuisineAmerican
Servings28 servings
Calories175

Ingredients
  

  • 3 quarts freshly popped corn
  • 1 cup unsalted roasted cashews
  • 1 cup salted roasted macadamia nuts
  • 1 cup whole almonds or pecan halves
  • 1 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup light corn syrup
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon finely grated orange zest
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Equipment

  • saucepan
  • baking sheet
  • mixing bowl

Directions
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 250°F and butter a large roasting pan.
  2. Stir the popcorn and nuts together in the pan and slide it into the oven while you make the glaze.
  3. In a heavy saucepan over medium heat, stir together the brown sugar, corn syrup, butter, orange zest, and salt. Bring to a boil, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
  4. Boil for 4 minutes without stirring.
  5. Take it off the heat and stir in the vanilla and baking soda.
  6. Pour the glaze slowly over the popcorn mixture, stirring to coat.
  7. Bake for about 1 hour, stirring now and then, until dry.
  8. Use a metal spatula to free the popcorn from the bottom of the pan.
  9. Let cool completely in the pan, then break into clumps.

Notes

Store fully cooled, airtight, at room temperature up to one week, away from heat and humidity.

Nutrition

Serving: 35g | Calories: 175kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 2.5g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 3.2g | Trans Fat: 0g | Cholesterol: 8.7mg | Sodium: 72mg | Potassium: 98mg | Fiber: 1.5g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 108IU | Vitamin C: 0mg | Calcium: 25mg | Iron: 0.7mg

Nutrition is an estimate per serving from USDA FoodData Central, for 28 servings; freshly popped corn counted as air-popped popcorn, whole almonds or pecan halves (the first choice counted). Brands and portions vary, so use it only as an approximation.