NFL Game Day Recipes | Caramel Corn

Our third feature in the NFL Game Day Recipes comes from Marsha Adler. She has graciously shared this delicious snack created by Traci Des Jardins, one of the great chefs and restaurant impresarios in San Francisco. This sweet treat from California is sure to bring some luck to the 49ers!

Remember to watch the 49ers take on the Packers this Sunday, Sept 9th at 4:25 PM ET. Don’t forget to say Happy Grandparents Day to the special older adults in your life!

Caramel Corn with Peanuts, Pistachios and Coconut

Servings: Makes about 16 cups

Ingredients

• 1 cup raw, shelled peanuts
• 1 cup shredded, unsweetened coconut
• 1 cup shelled pistachios
• 2 cups packed light brown sugar
• 1 cup light corn syrup
• 4 Tbsp. (1/2 stick) butter
• 1 Tbsp. distilled white vinegar
• 2 tsp. kosher salt
• 10 cups unflavored popped popcorn (from about 1/2 cup kernels or 1 bag microwave popcorn)

Directions

Note: When using a candy thermometer, be sure the tip doesn't rest on the bottom of the pot, which will give a false reading. Instead, clip it to the inside edge of the pot and adjust it so that the tip sits about 1/2-inch deep in the sugar mixture.
Preheat oven to 350°. On a large baking sheet, toss together peanuts, coconut, and pistachios. Bake, stirring once or twice, until toasted and fragrant, 5 to 7 minutes; set aside.

Spray two large sheet trays (with sides) and the tines of 2 forks with cooking spray; set aside. Combine sugar, corn syrup, butter, vinegar, and salt in a large pot. Clip a candy thermometer to the inside edge of the pot and cook over medium-high heat, without stirring, until mixture reaches 300°, about 20 minutes. Meanwhile, combine peanut mixture and popcorn on 1 of the prepared sheet trays.

When sugar mixture reaches 300°, immediately remove pot from heat and set candy thermometer aside. Carefully pour hot sugar mixture over popcorn mixture, then use the prepared forks to toss together and coat well. (Work quickly, since the sugar mixture hardens as it cools.) Transfer popcorn to second prepared sheet tray and spread it out.

Set aside and cool completely, about 2 hours, then break into bite-size pieces. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container at room temperature.